Middlesbrough Europe debut date announced

UEFA have revealed that the first round games will take place in September. Boro's opponents will not be known until the draw takes place on Friday 27/8.

Here is the new format for the competition.

The winners of round one games (played home and away as straight knock out), 40 teams will then enter the group stages. There will be five teams in each group. All teams will play two games at home and two away.

The group draw will be on Tuesday 5/10.

The games will be on Thursdays 21/10, 4/11, 25/11 and Wednesday/Thursday 1/12 and 2/12.