UEFA 'to introduce new 32-team competition' to run alongside Champions League and Europa League

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

UEFA are reportedly set to introduce a new 32-team competition from 2021 to run alongside the Champions League and Europa League.

According to the plans outlined in German publication Bild, the Champions League will remain in its current structure, while the Europa League will condense.

The group stages of Europe's second-tier competition currently includes 48 teams, but will apparently be reduced to 32 teams.

Sides from smaller nations will allegedly instead compete in the new tournament, which is reportedly set to be shown largely on online platforms.

The next cycle for European club competitions runs from 2021 to 2024.

The draw for this season's Champions League takes place at 5pm on Thursday.

Liverpool, Manchester United , Tottenham and Manchester City will discover their fate ahead of a new campaign in Europe's premier club competition.

The Europa League follows on Friday.