Uefa Cup to change name

Uefa Cup rebranded and new format confirmed

Last updated: 27th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Uefa Cup to change name

Uefa Cup trophy

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The Uefa Cup will be known as the UEFA Europa League from next season in order to boost the competition's appeal.

Many see the Uefa Cup as Europe's second cup competition behind the prestigious UEFA Champions League, something Uefa has been proactively attempting to reverse.

Along with the re-brand, there will be 12 groups of four teams with both home and away matches, whereas the current group format sees a five-team group playing two home and away fixtures.

New impetus

Uefa president Michel Platini believes the changes will be beneficial in the long run and that the competition's new format will bring fresh impetus.

"These changes will improve this historic competition that is very important for Uefa and for European football, as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of European club football," he told Uefa's official website.

"I am convinced the new format will give the UEFA Europa League a successful new impetus."