European football has never felt so interconnected—yet it remains largely reserved for the elite.
Sure, PSG and Arsenal is a great tie, but imagine if we could watch Oxford United and Schalke, or Paris FC and Plymouth Argyle. They’re the sort of ties that would feel a bit different in the modern world, and the exact reason we think UEFA should create a new European competition for Championship-level sides.
Friendlies between clubs from different nations are now commonplace, and there’s an influx of international players across even the lower levels of English football. But why should only the top clubs enjoy the magic of continental competition?
It’s time UEFA considered a new European tournament—one exclusively for second-tier clubs, and possibly even third-tier sides. Much like the now-defunct Anglo-Italian Cup, such a competition could offer history, drama, and a taste of European adventure to clubs normally shut out from the glamour of UEFA nights.
What Was The Anglo-Italian Cup?
The Anglo-Italian Cup, launched in 1970, was a cross-border competition between English and Italian clubs. It started as an annual tournament involving teams from the top two tiers, but after violence and waning interest, it was briefly revived in the 1990s as a professional competition for second-tier sides—England’s First Division and Italy’s Serie B. Clubs like Derby County, Notts County, Genoa, and Cremonese competed in a format that culminated in a final at Wembley.
With odd rules—like bonus points for goals and altered offside laws—it was designed to promote attacking play, often resulting in thrilling, unpredictable matches. Memorable upsets saw teams like Blackpool and Carlisle defeat Roma and Juventus, adding to the Cup’s charm. Yet the tournament was frequently marred by violence, both on the pitch and in the stands, with infamous brawls like the Birmingham–Ancona clash standing out. Despite being scrapped in 1996, its mix of passion, absurdity, and exoticism left a lasting impression.
For fans and players alike, it offered rare international clashes and unforgettable moments, all wrapped in the rough-and-tumble romance of a bygone football era. It was flawed—but gloriously so.
The Benefits For Lower-League Clubs
A revamped competition today could be transformative. First and foremost, it would offer invaluable experience. Players and managers would gain exposure to different styles and tactical challenges from other nations—experiences typically reserved for elite clubs. Young squads would benefit from higher-level competition, helping bridge the gap to top-tier football.
Then there’s the commercial opportunity. European matches—especially knockouts or finals—could attract significant TV audiences. That, in turn, means additional revenue streams from broadcasting, ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship. Clubs in the Championship or Ligue 2 could develop new international fanbases, expanding their reach far beyond their domestic footprint.
Finally, there’s the fan experience. Imagine a Bristol City away day in Kraków, or Hamburg hosting Preston North End. The excitement, travel, and community-building potential would be enormous, bringing novelty to otherwise routine seasons.
Challenges—And Their Solutions
Of course, there are obstacles. Fixture congestion is a major concern. The Championship alone demands 46 league matches, not including cup commitments. But there is a solution: phase out the League Cup—or at least remove second-tier clubs from it. The competition has long lost its prestige for many, and sacrificing it could free up calendar space.
Then there’s the cost of continental travel. However, with modern broadcasting deals and UEFA support, a tournament of this nature could attract enough financial backing to subsidise clubs’ expenses. Flights, hotels, and logistics could be covered by pooled media rights, ensuring no side is priced out of participation.
Others may argue a lack of interest from fans or clubs. But history suggests otherwise. The Anglo-Italian Cup drew thousands, and modern football culture is more global than ever. Supporters are eager for new experiences—and clubs would welcome the chance to test themselves outside domestic confines.
Conclusion: A New Angle On European Football
Second-tier football is too often overlooked in Europe. These leagues are bursting with quality, passion, and history—yet they operate in the shadow of their top-flight counterparts. By reviving the spirit of the Anglo-Italian Cup for the 21st century, UEFA could bring continental drama to clubs who rarely experience it.
Such a competition would enrich the game, give smaller clubs their European moment, and perhaps even unearth new rivalries and legends. It’s time for UEFA to think bigger—and lower down the pyramid.
