UEFA has approved the creation of a Women’s League of Nations from 2023 that will determine qualification for the European Championships, World Cups and Olympic Games, as announced this Thursday.
The changes follow a study carried out by the National Team Competition Working Group, composed of representatives from various national associations, and in line with the recommendation of the UEFA Women’s Football Committee.
From the autumn of 2023, in preparation for the European Championship 2025, a new competition system for women’s national teams will come into force, combining the so-called League of Nations with European qualifications.
The Nations League (a bit like the men’s competition) will be divided into three levels, and in each level, national teams will play in groups of four (or three), with home and away games against each opponent in their group.
This new competition includes promotion, relegation and the Nations League final, as well as a European qualification play-off at the end.
In the finals, the winner of the League of Nations is determined, and every four years – three European teams that will qualify for participation in the Olympic Games.
The final standings of the Nations League and the promotion and relegation games will also determine the starting position of the teams in the European qualifiers.
At the end of the European Qualifiers, the classification will determine the teams that will qualify directly for the European or World Championships, as well as those that can qualify through the “playoffs”.
In addition, the final ranking of the European qualification round (with automatic promotion and relegation) will be used to determine in which division of the Nations League the national teams start in the next competitive cycle.
According to UEFA, “the updated format is interconnected, dynamic and meritocratic and aims to create a more competitive environment with greater sporting and commercial interest, guaranteeing a chance for all national associations to qualify for the European and World Championships.”
“This summer, I said that we will continue to invest in women’s football, and we are doing it. After the historic women’s Euro, it’s time to further develop women’s football football,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
The official said that UEFA “has built an open, competitive and continuous system where every game counts, which is a true reflection of the European sports model” and believes that “this format will help all European national associations and keep the dream of qualifying for a major international tournament”.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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