League phase introduced in Gothia Puma Trophy: “Matches that matter more”

Gothia Cup is taking the next step by introducing a league phase in the Gothia Puma Trophy for G17 and B17. A new format designed to increase competition. – It raises the level straight away, says Gothia Cup competition manager Martin Laanemets.

A league phase will now be introduced in the Gothia Puma Trophy for G17 and B17 – a format inspired by UEFA’s changes to European club competitions. This means the traditional group stage will be removed. The four matches in the league phase will be drawn, and once all matches are played, the table standings will decide which teams progress to the A semi-finals and B semi-finals. The remaining teams will play placement matches.
– We want to create matches that truly matter from start to finish. At the same time, we ensure that the best teams progress to the A play-offs. We are creating a better experience for both spectators and participants, says Martin Laanemets.
The league phase will make the competition easier to follow throughout the week. For spectators, it will be simpler to track the teams and get a clear picture of how they compare early in the tournament.
– The league phase allows the best teams to prove themselves against all teams in the category, not just those in the same group. It will also make it easier for spectators to follow the teams and understand the results, which we believe can further increase the already strong interest in our elite categories, says Martin Laanemets.

Gothia Cup is the world’s largest youth football tournament, and the Gothia Puma Trophy has long been one of its most prestigious categories, featuring some of the most exciting youth teams in the world.
– For us, this is a natural step in continuing to develop the tournament and maintain an international top level. We already fill our stands and attract world-class academies, but we always want to keep moving forward – and this is part of not just keeping up with development, but staying ahead, says Martin Laanemets.