The UEFA Cup was a prestigious annual football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It featured clubs from various European leagues competing for the title. Established in 1971, the tournament was known for its knockout format, where teams played home and away matches. In 2009, the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the UEFA Europa League, expanding its format and increasing participation. The competition remains an important event in European football, showcasing talent from clubs that may not qualify for the more prominent UEFA Champions League.