As a football analyst who's followed European competitions for over a decade, I must confess I initially underestimated the UEFA Europa Conference League when it launched in 2021. I remember thinking, "Do we really need another European tournament?" But having studied its format and witnessed its impact, I've completely changed my perspective. The competition has brought genuine excitement to clubs and fans who previously rarely tasted European football, much like the pride Kristensen expressed when discussing his team's performance against Timor-Leste. That quote about trusting the system and earning six points perfectly captures what this tournament represents for smaller clubs - a platform where they can build confidence and achieve meaningful results on the European stage.
The tournament's format is actually quite brilliant in how it creates opportunities. Starting with three qualifying rounds followed by a playoff round, it gives numerous clubs from smaller footballing nations the chance to experience European competition. The group stage features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with the group winners automatically advancing to the round of 16. What I particularly appreciate is that the group runners-up face an additional playoff round against teams that finish third in their Europa League groups. This crossover creates fascinating matchups between clubs from different competitive levels, something we rarely see in traditional league formats. The knockout phase then follows the standard two-legged format until the single-match final, which last season attracted over 47,000 spectators to watch Roma defeat Feyenoord.
From my observations, the financial distribution model has been transformative for participating clubs. The total allocation for the 2021-22 season was approximately €235 million, with each group stage participant receiving a base fee of €2.94 million. While these numbers might seem modest compared to the Champions League's billions, for clubs from countries like Moldova, Cyprus, or Norway, this represents significant revenue that can transform their operations. I've spoken with club officials who confirmed that even qualifying for the group stage can double their annual budget, allowing them to invest in youth development and infrastructure. The prize money increases with each progression, with the champions earning around €5 million in addition to their accumulated winnings - not life-changing money for elite clubs, but absolutely game-changing for others.
What truly won me over was watching teams like Bodø/Glimt's incredible journey during the inaugural season. The Norwegian club, representing a town of just 52,000 people, reached the quarter-finals while playing electrifying football that captivated neutral viewers. Their 6-1 aggregate victory against Roma in the group stage remains one of my favorite European football memories in recent years. It demonstrated exactly why this competition matters - it creates underdog stories that modern football desperately needs. The format ensures that such narratives can develop organically, giving smaller clubs enough matches to build momentum and confidence, much like Kristensen emphasized the importance of trusting the system and earning those crucial six points that build a team's belief.
The scheduling is strategically placed on Thursdays, alongside the Europa League, creating what I've come to call "European Thursday" - a full day of continental football that satisfies even the most ardent fans. Broadcasters have reported surprisingly strong viewing figures, with the 2022 final attracting approximately 5.8 million viewers across major European markets. This demonstrates that there's genuine appetite for these matches, contradicting initial skepticism about viewer interest. Having attended several Conference League matches myself, I can confirm the atmosphere often surpasses that of early-round Champions League games where the financial stakes overshadow sporting passion.
Some critics argue the tournament dilutes European competition, but I fundamentally disagree. Having witnessed FC Basel's incredible run to the semi-finals last season, seeing how their young players developed through those European nights, I'm convinced it strengthens football's ecosystem. The format cleverly integrates with the Europa League through the knockout round playoffs, creating a dynamic relationship between the competitions that maintains sporting merit. Clubs that finish third in their Europa League groups get a second chance, while Conference League group runners-up face stiffer competition - it's a system that keeps hope alive for more teams throughout the season.
Looking ahead, I believe the Europa Conference League will only grow in prestige and importance. The introduction of the new Champions League format in 2024 might slightly alter qualification paths, but the core structure appears stable. What excites me most is how this tournament has already created new European rivalries and memories for fans who previously only watched elite competitions from the sidelines. Much like Kristensen's team that trusted their system against Timor-Leste, clubs in this competition are building their own European identities through practical experience rather than theoretical planning. The tournament embodies football's democratic spirit - that on any given night, with the right system and collective belief, any team can create moments that will be remembered for generations.