NYON, Switzerland — In a significant development in contemporary soccer, the Conference League has emerged as a popular competition that has garnered support from clubs and fans alike, with organizers reaping substantial praise. Since its inception in 2021, the league has awarded nearly $300 million in prize money for the current season, which aids in maintaining the satisfaction of lesser-known clubs with UEFA, allowing them to decline offers from alternate competitions.
On Friday, the structure for the knockout playoffs of this third-tier men’s event was established, employing a fresh format that the Champions League aims to implement at the conclusion of its group stages in January. The 16 teams ranked from ninth to 24th in the Conference League’s single-league, 36-team standings—finalized on Thursday—were arranged in a seeded bracket similar to tennis tournaments.
Participating teams like Shamrock Rovers from Ireland are set to compete in European matches come February for the first time in their history. This development ensures that these clubs remain active, following years when their aspirations on the international stage were truncated in August due to early exits from qualifying rounds in both the Champions League and Europa League.
The Rovers will match up against Norway’s Molde in a two-leg playoff on February 13 and 20, with the victor moving on to the round of 16. Among the teams awaiting the winner are Conference League frontrunner Chelsea, who recently halted Shamrock Rovers’ unbeaten streak, along with Fiorentina and the top eight teams from the league.
The Irish champions have already generated a significant financial boost of 5 million euros (approximately $5.2 million) from the Conference League’s total prize fund of 285 million euros (around $297 million), a figure that stands to make a considerable impact for clubs of their stature. “You can actually try and invest in your squad knowing that there’s a realistic opportunity of progressing,” remarked John Martin, the CEO of Shamrock Rovers, following the draw.
Despite a challenging match where they faced Chelsea and lost 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, Martin expressed that it was an unforgettable experience for Rovers fans that would resonate for generations. “That’s the beauty of the competition; there’s a space for both of us. And we’re both still in it as well,” he added.
Other notable matchups from the draw included Copenhagen hosting the European debutants Heidenheim, Gent welcoming Real Betis, and Slovenia’s Celje taking on the Cypriot team APOEL at home first.
Copenhagen has consistently participated in the Champions League in recent years, while APOEL made headlines as a surprise quarterfinalist in 2012. Both teams have found a form of protection in the Conference League.
UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti reported, “I haven’t heard one single negative comment from the clubs. We know that broadcasters are very happy, and if the broadcasters are happy, it means their viewers are happy,” reflecting on the general satisfaction with the competition ahead of the draw.
Cyprus stands out as the only nation with three teams remaining in the tournament, with Friday’s draw setting up an exciting local derby between Omonoia and Pafos.
One of the standout performances leading into the knockout stage came from Norway’s Molde, the club that once nurtured young talent Erling Haaland. They clinched a dramatic 4-3 victory against Mlada Boleslav with a stoppage-time goal, elevating them from 27th to 23rd in the standings. That late goal resulted in the elimination of both Mlada, which dropped to 27th, and Hearts, falling to 25th due to total goals scored.
“I was in the match center and we were going crazy because the results were changing and teams were going up and down,” Marchetti shared. “The format is delivering unpredictability.” The knockout playoff draws for the Champions League and Europa League are scheduled for January 31, following the completion of their eight-round group phases during that week.