UEFA Cup consultations continue

UEFA has said that possible reforms of the UEFA Cup competition are still being discussed, and that no decision can be expected until March.

Various alternatives
European football’s governing body said on Friday that the issue was being debated along the same lines as the recent discussions relating to format changes to the UEFA Champions League, and that a variety of alternatives were still being considered.

Format reviews
UEFA’s Executive Committee decided in December to maintain the current UEFA Champions League format, which comprises 32 clubs and two group stages. At the same time, the European body has been reviewing the format of its second major European club competition.

Parallel discussions
“UEFA and its partners have embarked on a consultation phase which has been running in parallel to discussions on the UEFA Champions League,” said UEFA director of communications Mike Lee. “We have concluded the consultations on the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Cup consultations are continuing.”

UEFA workshop
“We have received and heard proposals to reshape the format of the UEFA Cup, including the issue of entry into the competition. This issue will certainly be discussed at the UEFA club workshop in Nyon on 4 and 5 February,” said Mr Lee.

Executive Committee decision
“However, a decision about the future of the UEFA Cup format is not likely before the March meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee,” he added.