Sports

UEFA Europa League 2024/25: New Format and Draw Details

Published

2 months ago

August 30, 2024

The UEFA Europa League has introduced a revamped format for the 2024/25 season, marking a significant change from previous years. This season will see 36 clubs participating in a new single-division structure, where each team will play eight different opponents. The format ensures that teams from the same country will not face each other in the league phase, and each club will only play a maximum of two opponents from another country.

In this new setup, each team will play one home and one away match against eight different opponents. The competition will include an additional play-off round before the Round of 16. Teams that finish between 9th and 24th positions in the league phase will enter a two-legged play-off to secure their place in the knockout stages. Those finishing from 25th to 36th place will be eliminated from the tournament.

For Manchester United, the FA Cup winners, and Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, the draw on Friday will determine their opponents for the group stage. The draw is scheduled to begin at 12 pm UK time. Both teams are keenly awaiting their matchups as they prepare for the upcoming competition.

The new format aims to enhance the competitive nature of the tournament and ensure a balanced distribution of opponents across the league phase. As the teams gear up for the draw, the Europa League promises to offer an exciting and dynamic season of European football.

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.

Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.

Sports

Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.

On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.

Sports

Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.

Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.