European countries to participate in Nations League from 2018

A UEFA logo with Geneva Lake and Alps seen in reflection

There will be no more European participation in international friendlies, according to plans unveiled by UEFA on Thursday. Instead, the best-ranked European countries will be in competition in a ‘Nations League’, the inaugral edition of which is slated to take place between September and November in 2018.

The planned format comprises 52 competing teams split according to UEFA coefficient into four divisions, each of which will contain four separate groups. Each team is to play six matches over two legs in the initial phase.

UEFA currently consists of 54 association members though, and the fate of the two surplus members is one of the few questions on which light is yet to be thrown.

Europe to opt out of international friendlies?

In the last international break in the football season, on November 18, Portugal tasted a sweet 1-0 victory against Argentina, Republic of Ireland thumped the United States of America 4-1, Austria had a fruitful outing in a 1-2 defeat to Brazil, Slovenia narrowly lost 0-1 to Colombia and Belarus beat Mexico 3-2.

Contrary to the competitive nature of these inter-continental matches, a UEFA statement reads, "The key driver of the UEFA Nations League is sporting integrity, because member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition.

"In addition, the competition will help UEFA realise its stated goal of improving the quality and standing of national team football while maintaining the balance between club and international football.”

According to current standings, countries like Russia, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland will be slotted into the second division of the proposed Nations League, and England only just make it as the 12th best team in Europe.

Nations League Champion to be decided in 2019

The four divisional winners from the top tier of this league are to play the semi-finals and final in June 2019 to determine the overall champion. There are to be promotions and relegations between the lower tiers.

Finishing positions in the Nations League will have a bearing on the draw for the Euro 2020 European qualifiers, which take place between March to November in 2019. Four places will be reserved for teams who do well in the Nations League but fail to come through the European qualifiers.