HISTORY BHOYS ARE IN WITH EURO GROUP
BY ALAN MARSHALL CELTIC could be guaranteed a Champions League group stage place every year under new proposals for Europe’s elite competition.
Numerous changes have been suggested for the tournament including giving wildcard entries to clubs with a “historical importance in European football”.
That would mean the Hoops would be granted a spot for becoming the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967.
It’s also been reported in Holland that Europe’s elite clubs have suggested a new format with four groups of e i g ht whi ch would result in extra revenue for every club.
The top four teams will qualify for the knockouts, the bottom side relegated, and the rest drop into the Europa League, with some games at weekends.
But while Celtic would be given an annual group spot for being a historically significant club the proposal could limit the route to the new Champions League for other Scottish clubs. Director of the Association of European Professional Football Leagues Jacco Swart will fight any plans that would lead to a closed shop for smaller nations when he meets the big clubs next month. He said: “We’d like more financial solidarity from UEFA towards clubs that do not participate in Europe. “The rewards in European tournaments are becoming so great it’s very predictable and attractiveness is decreasing. “And a closed shop for the Champions League must be prevented at all costs.”