The Rise and Legacy of the UEFA Conference League

Column, DNEWSINFO

The UEFA Conference League, Europe’s third-tier club football competition, has evolved into a significant tournament since its inception, opening doors for clubs across the continent to participate in international football beyond the prestigious UEFA Champions League and Europa League. The idea of establishing a third European club competition had been considered by UEFA since at least 2015, with the core intention of offering smaller clubs from lower-ranked member nations a realistic opportunity to compete at continental level and progress beyond the early elimination stages that typically mark their European campaigns. By mid-2018, conversations around the formation of the tournament gained momentum. Reports indicated that UEFA was preparing to split the existing 48-team Europa League group stage into two, using the lower tier to form the base of the new competition. This speculation turned into official confirmation on 2 December 2018 when UEFA announced the new tournament provisionally titled “Europa League 2” or “UEL2,” which would launch during the 2021–2024 competition cycle. UEFA described the project as one designed to ensure more matches for more clubs and greater representation for member associations.

Subsequently, on 24 September 2019, UEFA officially named the competition the “UEFA Europa Conference League.” A major milestone came on 24 May 2021 when the tournament’s trophy and brand identity were unveiled. The trophy stands at an impressive height of 57.5 cm (22.6 inches) and weighs 11 kg (24 pounds), symbolizing both the prestige and competitive spirit of the newly formed contest. The on-field action began not long after, with the first goal in the competition’s qualifying stages scored on 6 July 2021 by Evo Chris of Mosta in a match against Spartak Trnava. The group stage also delivered historic moments, including the first goal on 14 September 2021 by Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Stipe Perica against Alashkert. Later that month, on 30 September, Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane registered the tournament’s first hat-trick, coming off the bench to score three times in just 20 minutes and seal a 5–1 victory over NS Mura.

The inaugural final of the UEFA Europa Conference League took place on 25 May 2022 between Feyenoord and Roma, with Roma securing a 1–0 victory and etching their name in history as the first champions of the competition. The tournament continued to gain traction and relevance, as showcased by West Ham United’s flawless performance in the 2022–23 group stage. On 3 November 2022, West Ham became the first club to win all six of their group matches, defeating FCSB, Silkeborg, and Anderlecht. They maintained their dominance throughout the knockout rounds and eventually lifted the trophy after defeating Fiorentina 2–1 in the final. Their run was exceptional as they became the first side to go unbeaten throughout the competition, finishing with 12 wins and a single draw.

Recognizing the growing popularity and success of the tournament, UEFA announced a rebranding on 28 June 2023. The competition would henceforth be known simply as the UEFA Conference League from the 2024–25 season. According to UEFA, the removal of the word “Europa” was aimed at positioning the tournament as a more distinct and independent brand. In the same season, structural changes were introduced with the traditional 32-team group stage being replaced by a 36-team league phase, aligning the format with similar adjustments in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

The 2024 final continued to build the league’s legacy, as Olympiacos defeated Fiorentina 1–0 to become the first Greek club to ever win a major European title. That historic win signaled the inclusive spirit and competitive reach of the tournament. Then came a defining moment on 28 May 2025, when Chelsea defeated Real Betis 4–1 in the final of the 2024/2025 UEFA Conference League, securing their first title in the competition. This remarkable victory not only added another European trophy to Chelsea’s cabinet but also placed the London club in the history books as the first football club to have won all UEFA men’s club competitions—the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and now, the UEFA Conference League.

From its conceptual beginnings as a platform for emerging European clubs to its evolution into a fiercely competitive tournament embraced by football giants, the UEFA Conference League has proven to be a dynamic and valuable addition to the continental football scene. Its short but impactful history is already marked by iconic goals, remarkable performances, and groundbreaking achievements—culminating in Chelsea’s historic feat in 2025, which further cements the competition’s status in modern football.

Edited and Compiled by Oladele Emmanuel M | June 21, 2025