Nations League: "Is UEFA really the unified voice of European football?" (C. Seifert, DFL)

"I have not yet understood the modus operandi. And I can infer from the criticism that arose across Europe, that it is the same for others," said Christian Seifert, CEO of the DFL (the German Professional Football League) about UEFA's (Union of European Football Associations) Nations League, to the German media outlet, Sport1, on 31/03/2014.

The launch of a Nations League from 2018, was adopted by the 54 member associations of the European body at the end of its annual conference in Astana (Kazakhstan), on 27/03/2014. The competition will feature promotion and relegation, will see a winning team every odd year and will replace most international friendlies.

"I do not think the idea of 'We set up this competition and then we will work on the practical details,' makes sense. We need to think critically and really ask ourselves the following question: is UEFA really the unified voice of football in Europe?" asked the German leader, who doubts "that all leagues and clubs want the competition. Certainly not all the players and managers."

• "Many national leagues, especially in small…