UEFA Youth League: this season the tournament will be held without a group round

27.09.2020 14:15

Photo by uefa.com

At a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee, of which UAF President Andriy Pavelko is a member, was approved a number of important decisions for European football. In particular, regarding the holding of the UEFA Youth League this season.

Due to the reluctance of players to travel in the current situation and difficulties in organizing international matches, the UEFA Executive Committee approved a new format for the UEFA Youth League of the 2020/2021 season.

Usually in the tournament 64 participants competed in two branches - the Champions League Path, where 32 teams (the same as in the adult Champions League) in eight groups competed for 16 tickets to the playoffs, and the Champions Path, where 32 winners of national championships In two qualifying rounds with home and away matches, the U-19 competed for eight tickets to the butt stage. 

Last season, we will remind, Ukraine was represented in competitions by two teams: Shakhtar took last place in the group round, and Dynamo reached the junction stage, where in a series of penalties lost to teammates from Croatia. 

Now, according to UEFA, the tournament will start immediately with relegation matches - from the 1/32 final.

The UEFA Youth League will start in March 2021 after the final format is approved by the UEFA Executive Committee.