The European football federation UEFA plans to change the qualification system for the World Cup and the European Championship, the German weekly Sport Bild reported on Wednesday.
According to the report, UEFA is considering implementing the Champions League model: without a group stage, but with one league stage before the knockout stage.
In the current model, the top two favorites usually win the group stage. The new format aims to make the competition more attractive to fans and broadcasters.
Other ideas are being considered. Proposals for reforms should be prepared by a new working group that will be established by 55 member associations. All reforms would ultimately have to be approved by UEFA’s Executive Committee.
– Maybe the qualifying matches could look different. There won’t be more matches, but there will be a more interesting format. We are currently thinking about it – Sport Bild quoted UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin as saying at a football fair in Portugal.
The European Championship, with group games before the knockout stages and 24 participants, is likely to remain in its current format.
– I don’t think that only the European Championship will change – Ceferin said.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
