Uefa has announced plans to introduce a third European club competition in 2021 if their executive committee approves the idea.
The European Club Association has announced proposals for a new competition which will run alongside the Champions League and Europa League subject to approval.
The idea was first mentioned three years ago and could allow clubs who fail to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League the chance to continue playing European football in the new tournament.
Regarding the future of @UEFA Club Competitions, Andrea Agnelli informed members:
"Pending approval of the @UEFA ExCo, the 'green light' has been given to introduce a third competition, bringing the overall number of clubs to 96, as of the 2021/22 season" #ECAGeneralAssembly pic.twitter.com/W8tXL1pdsN
— ECA (@ECAEurope) September 11, 2018
The ECA say the proposed competition will increase the number of clubs competing in Europe from 80 to 96.
The current model is due to end in 2024 and the ECA believe the calendar needs to be modernised.
ECA chairman Andrea Agnelli said: “Pending approval of the Uefa executive committee, the green light has been given to introduce a third competition, bringing the overall number o clubs to 96 as of the 2021/22 season.
“A detailed assessment of the existing international match calendar is required prior to presenting a new model post-2024. The current model needs modernising.”
If approved, the new tournament will mean three European tournaments are played in a season for the first time since 2008 when the Intertoto Cup was disbanded.
The Cup Winners’ Cup, which was won by Aberdeen in 1983 and Rangers in 1972, was previously disbanded in 1999.