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Reports: Top South American teams to join UEFA Nations League

The UEFA Nations League is set to look a whole lot different from 2024, with the addition of Sout...



The UEFA Nations League is set to look a whole lot different from 2024, with the addition of South American countries. 

UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek has revealed that the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar are soon to be pitting their wits against Europe's best on a more regular basis.

The move is part of the ever-growing relationship between UEFA and their South American counterparts, CONMEBOL. Last year the two confederations signed a memorandum of understanding, with CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez saying, "Together we can do a lot for the development of football and I am very much looking forward to this enhanced collaboration."

Part of that relationship will see Euro 2020 winners Italy play Copa America champions Argentina in a "Finalissima" at Wembley in June.

But in an interview with Meyczki in his native Poland, Boniek said crossovers between the confederations will become a more regular occurrence.

 

"We had a meeting with CONMEBOL, the confederation of South American countries, said Boniek, "From 2024, teams from this continent will join the competition.

"In what format will it be? We're still working on it. The schedule of matches for the national teams is restricted so you can't mix it up too much."

Boniek hinted that the top six South American countries - Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile and Peru will be added to UEFA Nations League A. That means they will face the likes of Italy, England, Germany and France.

Should the Republic of Ireland maintain a place in League B, they could play Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador and Bolivia.

The competition would still only be played in Europe, and would be seen as a challenge to FIFA's proposals for a biennial World Cup.

Kenny coy on contract but keeps target of topping Nations League group

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