Michel Platini has sexified the UEFA Cup for the 2009 season, re-naming the new look league the UEFA Europa League and adding to 48 clubs in 12 groups of 4, with the top two in each joining the 8 third place clubs in the Champions League 32 club knockout phase.

The league will also have it’s television rights sold the same way as the Champions League.

“I am convinced the new format will give the Uefa Europa League a successful new impetus,” said Uefa president Michel Platini.

“These changes will improve this historic competition, which is very important for Uefa and for European football as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of European club football.”

image via Telegraph

For every Cesc Fabregas there are probably hundreds that never make it and are discarded according to UEFA.

UEFA President and former French Superstar Michel Platini is looking to make some changes in the world of football, specifically targeting the age in which a young player under the age of 18 is allowed to transfer clubs.

As of right now the player and their parents are allowed to sign professional contracts with the clubs of their choice, but Platini is looking to tie that player to the club he came through by forcing them to sign their first professional contract with the club.

I’ll take European Labour Laws for $200 Alex.

image via Yimg

image via Rajuabju

Last week was the announcement that Michel Platini and G14 had come to terms with their long standing issues that led to Club compensation for players away with their respective National Teams.  Today Platini is working on a European Sports Police program that will tackle issues like money laundering and traveling hooliganism.  With violence reaching unthinkable levels, the UEFA president already has $14.6 million set aside for the program.

image via World Cup 2006 

We told you last week about G14, the super club powerhouses of European Club football deciding to drop all legal action against FIFA and UEFA.  Well the man above, Monsieur Michel Platini (aka UEFA president) announced today the Clubs will be paid 4,000 Euro per day during the time that their contracted players are away with their countries national teams.  The new group replacing G14 will be called the European Club Association, uniting club, country and FIFA/UEFA.  This is what happens when you place a highly experienced ex-player in a role that can unify.  (Paging Mr. Pope, courtesy call Mr. Pope)