UEFA Nations League expanded to include South American nations
South American giants Brazil and Argentina headline a stunning coming-together between UEFA and CONMEBOL in 2024 in a cooperative UEFA Nations League.
UEFA are in talks with the South American Football Confederation over a joint #NationsLeague that would see Brazil and Argentina feature in the expanded competition.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 17, 2021
ESPN broke the news earlier today after UEFA-vice president Zbigniew Boniek shed light on the upcoming joint competition in what could be seen as a counter move against the establishment of a biennial World Cup.
This comes in the wake of the “Finalissima” already being established; a match that will feature the winner of Euro 2020 (Italy) and Copa America (Argentina) taking place starting in 2022 in London;
“This is the last UEFA Nations League in this format. We had a meeting with CONMEBOL, the confederation of South American countries. From 2024, teams from this continent will join the competition.
In what format will it be? We’re still working on it. The schedule of matches for the national teams is restricted so you can’t mix it up too much.”
Per the report in ESPN, Brazil and Argentina would be joined by Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in being added to League A in the Nations League format, while Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela would be included in League B.
European club football set to benefit
While an expanded Nations League – if done right – would be a phenomenal proposition for bias and neutral spectators alike, the implications of international commitments not involving extended and lengthy travel for South American players would undoubtedly benefit clubs across Europe.
Earlier this year swords were already drawn between European clubs and the Brazilian FA after players were held late on international duty due to the World Cup qualifying commitments.
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 10: Neymar (R) of Brazil greets Lionel Messi of Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Mineirao stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
However, the new format that would see all matches take place in Europe entirely negate the need for extended call-ups and lengthy travel constraints on stars the likes of Alisson, Fabinho, Gabriel Jesus, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.
Football is unquestionably a global game, but that worldwide span looks set for a massive overhaul in the future.
