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September 6, 2024
The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League is important for Italy’s qualification journey to the World Cup 2026. Here’s how the tournament can aid the Azzurri’s path to the prestigious event
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as it introduces an expanded format, featuring 48 teams instead of the traditional 32 that competed in the 2022 edition. This significant change will offer additional opportunities for nations worldwide. Europe (UEFA) receives three extra slots, bringing their total to 16 participating countries.
Italy and other European nations aim to finish at the top of their respective World Cup qualifying groups to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. UEFA’s qualifying process consists of 12 groups, and the winners of each group will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, ensuring a straightforward path to the final event.
For the runners-up in each group, the road to the World Cup becomes more challenging but remains achievable. These 12 second-place finishers will advance to an additional qualification play-off round, joining four teams determined by their standings in the Nations League. The 2024-25 Nations League will play a crucial role in identifying the four best-ranked teams that did not secure a top-two finish in their World Cup qualification groups.
Once the 16 play-off contenders are established, they will engage in an exhilarating mini-knockout-style tournament. Teams will face off in two single-legged matches, where the stakes are high and the pressure is immense. The four triumphant nations that emerge from this intense competition will ultimately secure their coveted spots in the 2026 World Cup, joining the elite lineup of international football powerhouses.
UEFA recently announced that Milan and Inter have successfully met their Financial Fair Play (FFP) targets. At the same time, Roma received a €2 million fine for a minor breach. The Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) completed its assessment of the clubs participating in the 2023-24 season and found that Milan, Inter, AS Monaco, Olympique Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, Besiktas, Trabzonspor, and Royal Antwerp all met their intermediate financial targets for the 2023 financial year.
However, Roma surpassed their intermediate financial target, which resulted in a €2 million fine imposed by UEFA. All three Italian clubs will continue participating in European competitions next season, with Milan and Inter securing spots in the Champions League and Roma competing in the Europa League. The clearance for Milan and Inter allows them to proceed with their summer transfer strategies without additional financial constraints. At the same time, Roma must address its financial obligations to ensure compliance with FFP regulations.
Aston Villa and Olympique Marseille, two renowned European football clubs, have recently faced sanctions from UEFA for their failure to submit financial information within the specified deadline. Despite complying with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations for the 2023-24 season, both clubs were found to have violated Article 95 of the club licensing and financial sustainability regulations due to the late submission of their financial accounts.
Aston Villa, an English Premier League club, was fined €60,000 for this transgression. Despite the fine, Aston Villa’s squad cost ratio remained within the 90% limit for the season, allowing them to participate in UEFA competitions without further penalties. This season, following their impressive top-four finish last season, Aston Villa will feature in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Olympique Marseille, a Ligue 1 club from France, was also penalized with a €20,000 fine for their late submission. Although the club successfully ran in the UEFA Europa League, reaching the semi-finals, they missed out on European football this season. The fines imposed on both clubs serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to UEFA’s administrative regulations, ensuring transparency and fair play within European football.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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