UEFA proposal: an extra place in the Europa League for Sweden
Within two years, Sweden will have another qualifying spot for the European League.
But this assumes that Allsvenskan at least retains its rank in Europe.
– So it is very important that we get more teams in European matches, says Niklas Karlin, CEO of MFF ahead of the play-off for the Swedish teams today and tomorrow.
The importance of Swedish teams joining Europe has always been important to Swedish football.
But this year and the next one more is at stake.
Since the Conference League was added as the third European Cup last year, Sweden has only had one place in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. It’s for the Swedish champions of course and this year it is Malmo FF who have the opportunity.
The other top Swedish teams (second and third in the Allsvenskan and cup champions) must settle to qualify for the conference league.
“Unlocks a possibility that does not exist today”
But a new format will be launched for the 2024/25 season by UEFA, and there Sweden is expected to get another qualifying spot for the Europa League, according to Niklas Karlin, CEO of MFF, who also sits on the ECA (European) association’s board of directors. ). Club Association), as long as you don’t lose the ranking.
– If we get the same current standings, the proposal is that the second place in Sweden will qualify for the European League. This means opening up possibilities that don’t exist today, says Carlnén.
Sweden is currently ranked 23rd in the UEFA National Championship standings.
We should never lose a position, right?
– Maybe not that hard. But it is very important that we get more teams in European matches. Djurgården is very close now. It is directly crucial for Sweden to advance in the national ranking, otherwise there is a risk that we will lose.
“It would have been great”
3-0 against Djurgorden before the first leg against Cypriot APOEL this evening. MFF is up 3-1 ahead of their away meeting with Sivasspor tomorrow, while AIK is in a precarious position after losing 0-3 away to Slovacko on Thursday.
So you’re hoping for Djurgården and AIK?
“It would have been a great three teams for our national standings, which would have given us and all the other Swedish teams more chances of getting better qualifying opportunities and more places,” says Carlnén.