UEFA and CONCACAF aim to create a Nations League in latest show of defiance against FIFA

In what is another show of defiance to FIFA with what is turning out to be a long-drawn battle against Football’s governing body, UEFA and CONCACAF, the governing bodies of European, North American, and Central American footballing nations have entered into preliminary discussions about beginning a Nations League of their own.

Having joined forces towards the common goal of ousting embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, both the Federations are working towards hosting a biennial tournament that consists of all 96 nations that come under the jurisdiction of both these bodies. It is believed that the first iteration of this new-look Nations League will begin as early as 2028, immediately after the EUROs.

While discussions and key correspondence pertaining to the league are all in its nascent stages, it is expected that the format of this league will be the same as the current Nations League format: Multi-league formats followed by knockouts and a final-four tournament.

The draft plans also place league stage matches to be played in the International breaks from September to November, while the knockout phases will take place in May and June, post the end of the season in Europe. With the games taking place in the FIFA windows, it remains to be seen whether the new league will need ratification from FIFA itself.

While it is certain that all 96 teams from both federations will be involved, the embryonic stages of discussions means that there is not much clarity in the number of teams that will play in each league. Although the extra games will generate significantly larger revenue for the smaller nations in the league.

It will be very interesting to see what the stance of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) will be. They have long advocated a sense of frustration with the CONCACAF with regards to financial stagnation in terms of playing within the federation and have expressed a strong desire to switch their allegiance to CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America.

While the move will definitely need to be ratified by FIFA, this new change and the financial windfall that lucrative matches against European opposition brings will definitely turn heads in the Mexican ranks.

Apart from the two, it is also being reported that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed significant interest in being part of this proposed league, but at a later date.