UEFA set to introduce Nations League competition in 2018

UEFA has announced that it would be introducing first Nations League competition between September and November 2018, in an attempt to replace a number of friendly international matches.

According to a UEFA statement, the primary reason behind the decision to introduce Nations League was sporting integrity as member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly felt that friendly internationals were not providing sufficient sporting competition, the Guardian reported.

It also said that while the competition would further strengthen the quality and standing of national team football, which is also considered as one of the important goals of UEFA, it would also maintain the balance between club and international football.

UEFA's 52 countries will be divided into four divisions, each featuring four groups of three or four teams. Each country would be able to play six games with the four group winners in the top division playing the semi-finals and a final in June 2019 to determine the winner of the tournament.