UEFA, Concacaf plan joint Nations League in fresh challenge to FIFA

UEFA and Concacaf have begun talks on creating a joint Nations League tournament involving all 96 European and North, Central American and Caribbean national teams, in a further challenge to world football governing body FIFA.

The proposed biennial competition could begin as early as 2028, after the next European Championship, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The discussions come after UEFA and Concacaf joined forces to push for the removal of FIFA President Gianni Infantino following controversy over FIFA's World Cup plans. The two confederations are also working on an alternative candidate to challenge Infantino in next year's presidential election, according to the report.

The proposed tournament would follow a multi-league format similar to the existing Nations Leagues run separately by UEFA and Concacaf. It would include a knockout stage and a final-four tournament to decide the champion.

Under the draft plans, Europe's leading teams, including Spain, France, England and Germany, would face top Concacaf sides such as Mexico, the United States and Canada in competitive fixtures.

The league phase would be played during existing international windows in September, October and November, followed by knockout matches in March and the finals in June.

The number of teams in each league has yet to be decided, but all 96 UEFA and Concacaf members would take part. Revenue would largely be pooled, potentially providing additional income for smaller nations.

The competition would replace, rather than add to, existing international fixtures, while matches would be organised in geographic blocks to limit travel.

Mexico could also benefit from the proposal. Its football federation has held preliminary discussions about leaving Concacaf for South America's Conmebol, partly because of what it considers the financial limitations of its current confederation. More lucrative matches against European teams could affect that position.

The Asian Football Confederation has also expressed interest in joining a global Nations League in the future. The proposed structure is understood to be flexible enough to accommodate other confederations, although the AFC does not currently operate a Nations League.

UEFA and Concacaf signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation at FIFA's congress in Vancouver in April. Their relationship has grown closer since the emergence of the World Cup-related controversy.

UEFA declined to comment, while a source familiar with the proposal confirmed that discussions were under way. Concacaf did not comment directly on the plans but pointed to its longstanding cooperation with other confederations.

It remains unclear whether the proposed tournament would require FIFA approval, as the matches would be played during already agreed international windows.

By Aghakazim Guliyev