'A true European competition'

UEFA General Secretary David Taylor has hailed the brand-new UEFA Europa League as a "European adventure" for players, clubs and supporters.

'Length and breadth'
The new competition starts this season in place of the UEFA Cup, and the draw ceremony for the first and second qualifying round took place at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday. "The UEFA Europa League is a new, expanded European competition with a new format, a new logo and a new identity," Mr Taylor told club delegates. "The UEFA Europa League will be a true European competition, taking in the length and breadth of the continent.

New competition
"It will allow more clubs from many countries to participate in a European competition. This in itself will add an extra dimension to league football across Europe," the UEFA General Secretary added. "It is a European adventure for the clubs, the players and the fans; a chance to experience new countries and new cities, new football cultures and new stadiums. Clubs, players and fans will all benefit from this European adventure."

President's selection
UEFA President Michel Platini drew the first two balls in person, picking out a first qualifying round tie between FC MTZ-RIPO Minsk from Belarus and FK Sutjeska of Montenegro.