Expanded format
The format of the final tournament will consist of six groups of four teams, followed by a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. The top two from each group would qualify in addition to the four best third-ranked sides. This format would generate a total of 51 games, compared with the 31 now, played over a period of 29 to 31 days depending on the match schedule. This historic decision gives middle-ranked countries a much greater chance to qualify for the final tournament. The traditional qualifying format, with groups of six and five teams, will remain in place. Among other decisions in Bordeaux, the UEFA Cup will be renamed the UEFA Europa League next season.