PSG president Al-khelaifa bids to build bridges as he becomes new ECA chairman
Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-khelaifi has been appointed as the new European Club Association chairman in place of Andrea Agnelli, one of the architects of the doomed Super League.
The Qatari resisted repeated attempts to persuade him and his club to become founder members of the breakaway league. He now finds himself at the helm of the ECA, which traditionally has been viewed as lobbying on behalf of the continent's richest clubs, but seems set to be more widely representative in the wake of the rifts caused by the Super League controversy.
“Honoured” to take on the role, Al-khelaifi added: "The leadership, integrity and togetherness of our organisation has never been more required than at this pivotal moment in European football.
"Our game, adored by generations of supporters, will only prosper under unity, and it is our duty as the custodians of football to fulfil this obligation."
The input and pressure of some of the ECA'S former members helped win concessions from UEFA such as an increase in the number of matches in the group stage of the new-look Champions League from six to 10, and the provision of two qualification spots for teams based on past European pedigree.
It is understood that European Leagues, another group lobbying UEFA on behalf of 37 domestic leagues across 30 countries, is prepared to challenge the new format and seek a reduction in the number of matches and to scrap the coefficient qualification.