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'Countless moments to savour'

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino hopes for an outstanding UEFA Europa League season, telling the group stage clubs: "You have every right to dream of a successful adventure."

Gianni Infantino has heralded the UEFA Europa League season at today's group stage draw
Gianni Infantino has heralded the UEFA Europa League season at today's group stage draw ©Getty Images for UEFA

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino says that there will be "countless moments to savour" in what he believes will be another outstanding UEFA Europa League season.

"In a few short years, the UEFA Europa League has established itself as an attractive sporting proposition in its own right," Mr Infantino told the audience at the group stage draw in Monaco on Friday, "and we are continuing to take the competition forward.

"There are great incentives for the participants, and a considerable reward for the eventual winners," he added. "I should remind you that the club that wins the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League will be granted access to next season's UEFA Champions League, as was the case for Sevilla this year."

The UEFA General Secretary welcomed the calibre of the group stage field. "Certainly, the quality of the lineup on the starting grid for this season's group stage promises an exciting few months ahead," he said. "There are no less than six previous winners in the draw."

Hopes are high that the coming UEFA Europa League group stage, followed by the knockout phase next spring, will provide the same wealth of entertainment as last season, which culminated in an excellent final in Warsaw and ended with Sevilla winning the trophy for the second successive campaign after a five-goal thriller against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

"There will no doubt be countless more moments to savour during the coming season," said Mr Infantino. "Memorable matches, brilliant goals and outstanding displays by the players who will be gracing the stage in 2015/16. The ultimate target will be to lift the trophy at the impressive St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland on 18 May next year.

"The UEFA Europa League brand also has a new look, creating an attractive new image for the competition, in line with its proud standing on the European football landscape.

"You have every right to dream of a successful adventure," the UEFA General Secretary told the clubs. "I wish you the best of luck."

 

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