Format & regulations

The UEFA Europa League comprises three qualifying rounds, a play-off round, a group stage and five knockout rounds.

In matches in the three qualifying rounds and the play-offs, clubs play two matches against each other on a home-and-away basis, with the side scoring the greater aggregate of goals qualifying for the next round. In the event of both teams registering the same number of goals, the side that scores more away goals goes through. If they are still level, two 15-minute periods of extra time will ensue at the end of the second leg. If, during extra time, both teams get the same number of goals, away goals count double. If no goals are scored during extra time, a penalty shoot-out will follow.

The 38 play-off round winners join the ten losers from the UEFA Champions League play-offs. The clubs are split into 12 groups of four teams, playing home and away against each of their pool opponents between September and December. Two sides from each section advance, proceeding into the round of 32 alongside eight third-placed teams from the UEFA Champions League group stage.

From the last 32 until the semi-finals, clubs play two games against each other on a home-and-away basis with the same rules as the qualifying and play-off rounds applied. In the last 32, group winners and the four third-placed sides from the UEFA Champions League with the best records are seeded, guaranteeing they will play the second leg at home. Teams from the same group or the same association cannot be drawn together. From the round of 16 onwards the draw is free. The final is decided by a single match.

Regulations
The regulations for the UEFA Europa League are initially drawn up by the UEFA Administration before being submitted to the Club Competitions Committee. They are then forwarded upon that committee's approval to the UEFA Executive Committee for ratification.