Van der Sar steps up battle to stop move that could harm Euro dreams of clubs like Celtic
Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar has taken his campaign to ensure clubs like Celtic are on a level playing field in Europe further by confronting Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli over the matter.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper stressed earlier this year he would fight proposals from Agnelli, the European Club Association chief, to introduce promotion and relegation from the Champions League, instead of direct qualification from domestic leagues from 2024.
That could be catastrophic for the champions of Scotland, who could find their path to Europe’s premier competition blocked.
But van der Sar – whose Dutch club Ajax have bucked the recent trend by reaching the Champions League semi finals – has reiterated his determination to fight on behalf of clubs like Celtic after meeting with Agnelli.
He said: “We need to create a system where the big clubs in the minor leagues can still confront the most important leagues.
“I think of clubs like us, Celtic, Benfica, Anderlecht, Salzburg, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. I have recently discussed this with Agnelli. There are some things I share his view on like playing more European games.
“But the system at the moment is that the differences between the various national leagues, especially in terms of TV rights, deny competitiveness.
“We get around £8 million in TV rights a year – that means we have little chance of competing. Our only weapon is football.
“We have to produce homeplayers,buttherichclubs can shop around the world. Something has to be done.”