Europa Conference League

Complete guide to the UEFA Conference League

The UEFA Conference League is the third-tier European club competition, introduced to expand continental football and provide more clubs with access to UEFA tournaments.

Organised by UEFA, the competition sits below the Champions League and Europa League in the European structure.

History and background

The competition was launched in the 2021–22 season as part of UEFA’s restructuring of European club competitions.

From the 2024–25 season, it adopted a new format aligned with UEFA’s wider competition changes.

Format and competition structure

League phase

• 36 teams compete in a single league table
• Each team plays a set number of matches against different opponents
• Teams are ranked based on total points

Qualification for knockout stage

• Top eight teams qualify automatically for the Round of 16
• Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter knockout play-offs
• Winners advance to the Round of 16

Knockout stage

• Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final
• Two-legged ties in all rounds except the final
• Final played as a single match at a neutral venue
• Extra time and penalties used if required

Qualification pathway

• Clubs qualify based on domestic league position and cup competitions
• The competition primarily features teams from lower-ranked European leagues
• It provides an additional route into UEFA competitions for a wider range of clubs

Dynasties and competition identity

The Conference League has produced a range of winners since its introduction, reflecting its open and competitive structure.

Clubs from different leagues have been able to compete and win, highlighting the competition’s role in expanding European football.

Recent winners

• 2024–25: Chelsea
• 2023–24: Olympiacos
• 2022–23: West Ham United
• 2021–22: Roma

List of winners

• 2021–22: Roma
• 2022–23: West Ham United
• 2023–24: Olympiacos
• 2024–25: Chelsea

Most successful clubs

• Roma – 1 title
• West Ham United – 1 title
• Olympiacos – 1 title
• Chelsea – 1 title

Players of significance

Jarrod Bowen scored the decisive goal in the 2023 final for West Ham United, highlighting the competition’s role in defining key moments.

Players across emerging and established clubs have used the competition to gain European experience and recognition.

Managers of significance

José Mourinho led AS Roma to the inaugural title, establishing early significance in the competition’s history.

Managers across Europe have used the competition to develop squads and gain experience at continental level.

Records and milestones

• First season: 2021–22
• First winners: Roma
• First season under new format: 2024–25
• Competition expanded to a 36-team league phase

Why the UEFA Conference League matters

The UEFA Conference League provides opportunities for clubs that may not regularly compete in higher-tier European competitions.

It increases representation across Europe and allows teams from smaller leagues to compete internationally.

Success in the competition offers silverware, European recognition and a pathway to further continental progress.