SPLIT: Europe’s have been told they can look forward to the reintroduction of a third continental competition.

The current schedule was reduced from three to two – Champions and Europa Leagues – after the scrapping of the Cup-winners Cup in 1999.

European Club Association president Andrea Agnelli, who is also on European federation UEFA’s executive committee, said at a media briefing after the general assembly that the “the green light has been given”.

He did not give any more details on organisation of a tournament which would allow more access to European competitions to clubs from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Agnelli, also president of Italian champions Juventus, added: “A detailed assessment of the existing international match calendar is required prior to presenting a new model post-2024.”

The third competition, as yet without a title, would increase the number of clubs involved in European football from 80 to 96. Currently the Champions League features 32 teams in the group stage and the second-tier Europa League 48.

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