French-speaking public media RTBF has secured broadcasting rights for two Europa League and Conference League matches for the next three seasons, the public service media announced on Friday.
This contract extension until 2027 allows RTBF to maintain the first two choices of match during each evening dedicated to the second and third tiers of European football.
"These competitions are where Belgian clubs have the best chance to excel. The new format will provide us with more fixtures and highlights," RTBF sports department head, Benoît Delhauteur, expressed his delight.
Next season, the two European competitions will indeed change their format. The Europa League will offer a unique phase of 36 teams, with eight matches for each, contributing to a general ranking.
This ranking will determine the top eight teams qualifying for the last sixteen as well as play-offs between the teams ranked 9th to 24th. This will be followed by straightforward knockout matches.
A similar format applies to the Conference League, though each of the 36 teams competing in the first round will feature in six matches. The qualification system for the last sixteen will then be the same as the Europa League.
