Uefa Cup Given Major Revamp

The Uefa Cup will now be known as the Uefa Europa League from next season in one of a number of major changes to the competition.As well as a new name and a new logo for the competition (pictured), significant changes have been made to the make-up of the competition. The qualification system has been altered, and the format of the main competition has been completely revamped. Television rights will also be sold differently as Uefa attempt to bridge the financial gaps between the Champions League and what is currently known as the Uefa Cup. The changes will take effect from next season's competition, meaning the new qualification methods for next year's competition are relevant to current domestic seasons. Here is a summary of the key alterations for the tournament: * The tournament will be known as the Uefa Europa League and has been given a new logo as part of a new look for the competition. * From this season onwards, clubs who are runners up in domestic cup competitions will NOT gain entry to the competition. If the cup winners have already qualified for the Champions League, the Europa League spot will be awarded through league positions. * The group stages of the competition will now feature 12 groups of four teams, mirroring the Champions League system with each team playing each other once at home and once away. This replaces the current system of 8 groups of five. The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages and will be joined by the eight teams finishing third in their Champions League group to form the last 32 knock-out stage of the competition. * Television rights will now be sold centrally by Uefa, as happens currently in the Champions League. This replaces the current system where clubs sell the rights of their games to TV companies on a match-by-match basis. The changes will make the competition significantly more lucrative to all, and not just some of the clubs involved, as stations across Europe pay bigger fees to secure the overall rights. *Uefa President Michel Platini was delighted to announce the changes to the system, saying it will give the competition a new impetus. "I am convinced the new format will give the Uefa Europa League a successful new impetus," he stated. "These changes will improve this historic competition, which is very important for Uefa and for European football as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of top-level European club football." Uefa also released a statement on their official website which read: "The new name and logo will help underline the tournament's special character and unique sporting appeal. "Uefa's ambition in making these changes is to rejuvenate the competition in the light of the new European football landscape, which has shifted significantly with the continued success of the Champions League, so that the Uefa Europa League can establish itself as a major competition." The current holders of the Uefa Cup are Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, who defeated Rangers in last year's final. Internazionale, Juventus and Liverpool are the most successful clubs in the competition's history, having won the trophy three times each. Italy have produced the most winners, nine in total, while English and German clubs have won the trophy six times apiece. 01/10/2008 FC Zurich-AC Milan Nordsjælland, Then AEK Aston Villa – Litex PSG - Kayserispor Saint-Étienne - Hapoel Tev Aviv Wisla Krakow - Tottenham Hotspur Kalmar – Feyenoord Ajax – Borac Salzburg - Sevilla Manchester City - AC Omonia Kaunas - Sampdoria