UEFA Dismisses Champions League Format Changes
In a definitive statement, UEFA has dismissed claims that adjustments to the format of the Champions League are on the horizon. This declaration comes in light of recent media reports suggesting ongoing discussions between UEFA and A22, the organization backing the Super League proposal.
Recent Discussions and Clarifications
According to reports, particularly one from the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, multiple meetings involving UEFA executives and leaders from prominent clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona had taken place, focusing on potential alterations that could align the Champions League structure more closely with the Super League’s vision.
These discussions reportedly contemplated an increase in fixtures featuring elite clubs and possibly making some matches available on free-to-air television. However, UEFA clarified that these negotiations were conducted transparently and did not yield any formal agreements. A representative from UEFA reaffirmed,
“We categorically state that there are no plans to modify the UEFA Champions League format.”
The association highlighted that its recent format overhaul, set to take effect in the 2024-25 season, saw the traditional group stage replaced with a league format comprised of 36 teams.
Super League Proposal and Future Plans
The latest Super League proposition, articulated by A22 in late 2024, outlined a structure featuring three leagues with a total of 64 clubs and mechanisms for promotion and relegation among them. This initiative was prompted by a 2023 ruling from the European Court of Justice, which determined that UEFA and FIFA had misused their dominant status under EU regulations in the context of the Super League’s initial attempt to take off two years prior.
Moreover, following recent dialogues with UEFA, reports indicate that the Super League is now exploring a potential settlement that would see modifications to the Champions League format beginning in 2027. Under this plan, the prestigious competition would retain its title, while the participating teams would be segmented into two groups based on their UEFA rankings, thereby facilitating more encounters between high-ranking clubs.
