UEFA’s introduction of the Europa Conference League established a new phase to the Europa League known simply as the ‘playoffs’.
It’s a rejuvenation of the round of 32 in which 16 teams compete in a bid to join the eight group winners in the last 16.
It’s all to play for on Matchday 6 in both the Champions League and Europa League, with many of the groups across the two competitions being wide open with just one game remaining. Thus, there’s still plenty of mystique as to who exactly will be competing in the playoffs next year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022/23 Europa League playoffs draw following the conclusion of the group stage.
The draw for the 2022/23 Europa League playoffs will take place on Monday 7 November with the ceremony beginning at 13:00 CET (12:00 GMT).
UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland will host the draw.
With one matchday remaining, not all 16 teams that’ll be competing in the 2022/23 Europa League playoffs have been decided.
Only two teams from the Champions League, Barcelona and Sevilla, have been confirmed in third place in their respective groups which means they’ll drop down to the Europa League playoffs.
It’s all to play for on Matchday 6 of the Europa League group phase, meanwhile, with none of the groups being decided in regards to the top two.
We could see some big clubs enter the Europa League playoffs from both competitions. These include Arsenal, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and Tottenham.
The eight runners-up from the Europa League groups are seeded, while those dropping down from the Champions League are unseeded.
The eight seeded sides will each be drawn against an unseeded team in a typical UEFA-led knockout draw.
No side can face another team from the same national association with these ties being decided over two legs. The seeded teams will play at home in the second leg.
The first legs are scheduled for 16 February, with the second legs a week later on 23 February.
Credit: 90min.com
