Impact of Nations Leagues (UEFA original, Concacaf) on World Football? [Multiple R]

That was already true in the first Nations League.

That's true if everything else is the same but everything else is not the same. Again, the disparity in quality between the teams in any group will be bigger, on average. You're not gonna have France, Sweden and Holland in the same group and Spain and Italy together in another group like for the 2018 qualifiers. There are a couple somewhat dangerous teams in pot 2, but it lacks the likes of Denmark, Switzerland and Austria (who would have been grouped with a pot 1 team under the pre-2022 format).

And its difficult seeing anyone from pot 3 topping a group at the moment, like we saw in the pre-2022 format, but let's see. That's why I say the increased predictability is not a given. Its to be determined.

 

In the first edition of the UNL teams finishing second half third in leagues B and C both stayed in the league and had nothing further to play for, that's changed now.

While most of the teams in pot one will probably win their groups, it's likely several of them will have to wait until the final window next November to do so.

 

I think in most of the groups they were still playing to either gain promotion or prevent relegation.

Thats an opinion and we will wait and see how it works out. It may even be true if UEFA arrange the draw so that the top two seeds play each other in that window.

 

No, that was only true for league "D". The 2018-19 NL had the ideal format, imo.
3-team groups also meant that teams had breaks from the NL so they could schedule friendlies against teams from other regions. Now every UEFA member is fully consumed with NL. Its too much. I don't need to see Spain play Switzerland twice every damn year!

That's the other key point. While 2nd or 3rd place made no difference in the 2022-23 NL, in practice when 3 out of the 4 positions result in something different, you are still highly likely to be playing for something right to the last matchday.

 

I see what you mean, yes that's true.

 

Regional Asian tournaments are played outside FIFA windows so clubs don't have to release players.

I recall there were complaints about this by some coaches at the 2022 ASEAN championship.

 

Yes that's correct. It's also not much of a problem for those smaller nations you seem to be worried about where the vast majority of players are locals and local competitions often get suspended for these championships. The bigger nations normally rely on locals as well but having a smaller pool to draw on for their squads usually means that the tournament is more competitive. I'm a bit disappointed that as we are now a full member of AFF that we don't compete in the full Championship, just the odd youth tournament. You keep looking at Asian football through a European lens. What works for UEFA, doesn't necessarily transfer over to AFC.

 

I usually refer to those countries as lower-ranked because some of them are among the countries with the largest populations in the world with young demographics and huge potential.

If you look at the level of fan engagement generated by the AFC compared to UEFA, maybe Asia would be well advised to think about making its competitions more competitive and attractive.

 

Still can't help looking at it through a European lens I see.

 

I think it's more through a developing world lens.

https://www.insideworldfootball.com...afs-8-year-journey-darkness-light-next-steps/

Link to the view from the top of Concacaf, particularly relevant is:

The new competitive structures have not only created the opportunity for improved performance levels and for talent to develop, but they have also brought a step change to Concacaf’s commercial proposition. That is turn has led to significantly more support for member federations.

Before 2015 most of Concacaf’s federations relied on FIFA grants to sustain the game in their countries. Now Concacaf grants more money to its federations than FIFA was providing in 2015.

The new competition structures have also given FAs more domestic relevance and greater opportunity to engage local sponsors – it is hard to sell a sponsorship programme for what for many was one meaningful World Cup qualifying fixture every four years.

There's also a further innovation by Concacaf I wasn't aware of:

Concacaf is further expanding its Nations League with the introduction of the Concacaf Nations League Finals for Leagues B and C – starting with the 2026/27 edition.

It's a pity the AFC members couldn't compromise; the tone of the ASEAN statement was of disappointment.

 

More details about Concacaf NL expansion:

https://www.insideworldfootball.com...al-four-format-nations-leagues-b-c-divisions/

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani said: “The introduction of the Concacaf Nations League in 2018 transformed men’s national team football in Concacaf. The year-round tournament has allowed all Member Associations to consistently play meaningful and competitive matches and strive to reach their next level. All of this has led to increased exposure of teams and players internationally.

 

Thanks

That's brilliant by Concacaf! Asia could learn a lesson or two from them in how to work cooperatively.