Why is it starting in Europe in the middle of October?

Why will it start in Europe in the middle of October

According to Vi.

Context

Ajax and FC Twente are prominent Europa Conference League clubs with ambitions to reach higher levels in European football. Their entry into the competition is not only important for their fans but also for the development of football in the Netherlands.

Why it matters

The delayed start of the Europa League by Ajax and FC Twente has highlighted the unique structure of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Despite the shorter league phase with only six matches, the teams will have the opportunity to be recognized in their own week of competition, which could increase interest in Europa Conference League football in the Netherlands.

Key Points

• Why will it start in Europe in the middle of October.
• UEFA scheduling explains why Ajax and FC Twente's first European match is still in October: shorter league phase in the Conference League and exclusive week of each competition.
• Waarom Ajax en FC Twente nu pas beginnen aan Europese campaign.

While other Dutch clubs have been playing in Europe for a long time this September, Ajax and FC Twente will start their respective European campaigns in the middle of October. This is not due to a delay in preparation, but rather the result of the peculiar structure of the UEFA Europa Conference League and the deliberate planning of UEFA to designate an exclusive week for each competition. PSV and Feyenoord were first in action in the Champions League, kicking off their league phase on September 9 and 10. AZ followed on September 16 and NEC on September 17 in the Europa League. On the other hand, Ajax and FC Twente had to wait until the end of the window for national team games before finally opening their campaign in Europe this October. The reason for the delay: the league phase of the Conference League is smaller. Teams play only six matches here, compared to eight matches in the Champions League and Europa League. In addition to that, the Champions League and Europa League have two more matchdays scheduled after the new year, while the entire league phase of the Conference League will be completed within the 2026 calendar.

The Conference League could have been brought forward as well, but UEFA chose to give each tournament its own spotlight. That is why the Champions League opened from September 8 to 10, and the Europa League followed on September 16 and 17 as the official opening matchdays. For the Conference League, the exclusive week is dedicated not to the beginning but to the final, all-important matchday on December 17—a week without rival matches from the two bigger tournaments. From a practical point of view, this running of the calendar has pushed October 15 to be the first shot of the Conference League for the representatives of the Netherlands. Ajax and FC Twente's campaign will begin on that date: Ajax will travel to face Hajduk Split, while John van den Brom's side will welcome Swiss champions FC Thun to their home turf. For their supporters, the wait will be longer—but in return, the attention will be fuller later in the year as the Conference League anchors its own spotlight week. For Ajax and FC Twente, this timing has two faces: extra time for preparation after the national team match, but a more compact schedule going into November-December. In the end, UEFA's strategy to divide Europe's attention each week dictates why the first step of the two Dutch clubs on the continent is still in October.

What's next

Ajax and FC Twente are expected to prepare well for their matches in mid-October. Their participation in the Europa Conference League may give new hope to fans and may affect their performance in the domestic league as they vie for positions in the UEFA schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why will Ajax and FC Twente start in Europe in mid-October?

Due to the unique structure of the UEFA Europa Conference League and UEFA's deliberate planning to designate an exclusive week for each competition.

Who was the first to play in the Champions League before Ajax and FC Twente?

PSV and Feyenoord are the first to enter Champions League action, kicking off their league phases on September 9 and 10.

What is the reason for the delay of Ajax and FC Twente games?

They had to wait until the end of the window for national team games before opening the campaign in Europe.

An or the difference in the number of matches in the Conference League compared to the Champions League?

In the Conference League, teams play only six matches, compared to eight matches in the Champions League and Europa League.

Why did UEFA choose not to participate in the Conference League?

UEFA chose to give each tournament its own spotlight, so the Champions League and Europa League opened before the Conference League.

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