UEFA Conference League

European football tournament.

The UEFA Conference League, launched in the 2021-22 season, is Europe’s third-tier club football competition, aimed at enhancing inclusivity in continental football. Organized by UEFA, it provides opportunities for clubs from lower-ranked associations to compete on an international stage. The tournament typically runs on Thursday nights, alongside the UEFA Europa League, and features over 170 teams throughout the season.

The competition format includes a qualification phase leading into a league phase. No teams qualify directly for the league; instead, clubs eliminated from the Europa League play-off round and those from the Conference League qualifying rounds enter. Starting in the 2024-25 season, the group stage will be replaced by a single league phase featuring 36 teams. Each team plays six matches against different opponents—three at home and three away—culminating in a ranking system. The top eight teams advance directly to the knockout stage, while those finishing between ninth and 24th enter playoff rounds to secure their spots in the round of 16.

Roma was the inaugural champion, defeating Feyenoord in the 2022 final, while West Ham United claimed victory in 2023 and Olympiacos followed in 2024. The final is held at a neutral venue, with the 2025 final scheduled for Stadion Wroclaw in Poland. Winners not only receive a trophy but also gain entry into the following season's Europa League if they haven’t qualified for the Champions League through their domestic leagues.