The UEFA Cup competition will hold the name UEFA Europa League starting from next season 2009-2010. "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," said UEFA president Michel Platini. "I am convinced the new format will give the UEFA Europa League a successful new impetus." In the same context, UEFA decided to implement a 48-team group stage format as well, with home and away games. The UEFA executive committee also announced that the European championship will feature 24 nations instead of 16, starting from EURO 2016.