UEFA Executive Committee announced changes in the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Nations League, and European qualifiers in its meeting. The decision around UEFA Super Cup has once again affected Russia. Their invasion of Ukraine is affecting soccer in the country. 

FIFA and UEFA have already banned Russia, and last year’s UEFA Champions League final was moved away from Russia. The clubs from Russia are unable to participate in European competitions, and the same goes for the country’s participation in international soccer. 

European soccer governing body changes venue for the UEFA Super Cup

The 2023-24 club soccer season opener UEFA Super Cup was due to take place on 16th August in Kazan. However, on Wednesday, UEFA stripped Russia from hosting the Super Cup as the conflict with Ukraine is still going. The Super Cup game is relocated to Athens, Greece. 

It is the game between the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League winners. Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, the home ground of the Greek club Olympiakos, will host the one-off game in August. Last year, the UEFA also stripped Russia of the Champions League final. It was due to take place in St. Petersburg before they moved it to Stade de France. 

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Meanwhile, the Executive Committee also announced changes to their international tournament format. There is a change in the UEFA Nations League format from September 2024, with an additional round. They have also decided to reduce the number of groups in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup and Euro. They will apply the changes after Euro 2024. 

UEFA is gearing up for its club competitions to start next month. The Champions League round of 16 first leg will commence on the 15th of February. UEFA’s second-tier club competition, Europa League, will also start the same week from the 16th. The soccer fans are in for some mouth-watering games once the games commence.

Heavyweight clashes in the Champions League and Europa League

Reigning champions Real Madrid will kick off the knockout phase against Liverpool on 22nd February. The teams last met in last year’s final, where Los Blancos emerged victorious thanks to the gigantic performance from the goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Another massive clash of the round of 16 will see PSG take on Bayern Munich. The Parisians are yet to win the Champions League and are determined to win it this season. However, it won’t be easy for them, against the German giants. But PSG will be high on confidence thanks to their star trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr.

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The second-tier Europa League will also provide an opportunity for another heavyweight clash between FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Barcelona will look to make a big statement after relegating itself to the competition. United is also in dominant form, and we can witness another tremendous clash.

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What do you think about UEFA’s decision to strip Russia of the Super Cup final? Also, let us know your predictions for Champions League and Europa League winners.