Radical change could see Champions League include more teams | OneFootball

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OneFootball

Lewis Ambrose·12 June 2019

Radical change could see Champions League include more teams

Article image:Radical change could see Champions League include more teams

The Champions League could be about to undergo a huge change as clubs push for the tournament to be expanded.

Uefa are facing pressure to change as Europe’s leading clubs look to secure a permanent place in the competition.


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A proposal has now been submitted to expand the competition from 32 to 40 or 48 teams, according to the Times.

This plan would be an alternative to the suggestions of Juventus and European Club Association (ECA) chairman, Andrea Agnelli.

The Italian has led plans to ring-fence the participation of Europe’s top clubs. His vision would see 24 teams guaranteed a place in the competition, regardless of their domestic performance, with just eight places up for grabs via a promotion and relegation system.

Article image:Radical change could see Champions League include more teams

Clubs from Europe’s major leagues have rejected the notion of a ‘European Super League’ where teams are guaranteed their places.

However, there is still a big push for change and Uefa are set to discuss the expansion soon.

A format with 40 or 48 teams would favour not only Europe’s wealthiest clubs but also traditional giants, such as Ajax and Celtic, who do not currently qualify for the Champions League group stage by winning their domestic leagues.

The latest proposal is likely to be mulled over at a Uefa summit on 11 September.

Any changes are expected to come into effect from 2024 onwards.