Angry clubs force climbdown for UEFA’s new-look Champions League
UEFA have had to make an embarrassing climbdown over the new-look Champions League after civil war broke out with Europe’s top clubs.
European football’s governing body was expecting to announce today that they had agreed the 36-team Swiss league format for the Champions League from 2024.
But an ugly stand-off occurred with the clubs and UEFA had to put out a statement,
saying they will discuss the matter at their executive committee meeting, but no decision will be taken until April 19.
The row centres over the clubs wanting a greater share of the commercial rights and the TV deal.
They believe UEFA should primarily be the competition’s regulator – not the commercial partner.
But it is also not just about money. The clubs have to reach agreement on Financial Fair Play, domestic and international match calendars as well as fixtures for the Europa League and European Conference League.
The European Clubs Association had a meeting yesterday in which several big teams insisted they should tell UEFA more talks and negotiations were needed.
That caused UEFA to postpone any final decision until April 19 and, even though the format has been agreed, there are major issues to overcome.
Such as a greater share of money and also the two “wild-card” entries based on co-efficient ratings from previous European success.
The clubs feel they take all the risk, they buy the players and they are the ones playing the games, but UEFA want to take an unfair share of the spoils when they are just regulators.
They want agreements on FFP and other issues before moving forward on the new format from 2024.
Today’s meeting will now discuss whether five substitutes should be allowed for the Euros and if supporters can attend games.