NEW EURO CUP FOR CLUB SIDES

EUROPEAN club football is heading towards an overhaul with a new competition introduced within three years.

UEFA is planning a third competition to run alongside the Champions League and Europa League by the start of the 2021/22 season.

Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli (above), who is also chairman of the European Club Association, said the “green light has been given”. It is understood the Europa League will be trimmed from 48 to 32 clubs to try and improve its profile, while the new competition is likely to be aimed at weaker nations.

UEFA want to open the door for smaller countries while also trying to head off a European Super League revolt by boosting their existing tournaments.