Top clubs back Europa League

Europe’s top clubs have given their support to the current format of Uefa competitions following speculation over the future of the Europa League.   In Novrmber Uefa president Michel Platini created a stir when he said that expanding the Champions League to 64 teams and getting rid of the Europa League was an option.

Europe’s top clubs have given their support to the current format of Uefa competitions following speculation over the future of the Europa League.   In Novrmber Uefa president Michel Platini created a stir when he said that expanding the Champions League to 64 teams and getting rid of the Europa League was an option.

The Europa League was devised as a successor to the Uefa Cup, but has been seen very much as a ‘B’ list competition.   Perhaps more important, the financial returns are limited when the cost of staging matches and travelling to them is taken into account, particularly in comparison with the vast sums that can be earned in the Champions League.

The European Club Association (ECA) which represents 207 clubs has been meeting in Doha.  An internal survey of members found that an overwhelming 92 per cent thought that the Champions League and Europa League should continue to exist in parallel.   Just under two-thirds backed a suggestion, designed to boost the attractiveness of the Europa League, that its winner and finalists should be granted a place in the group stage of the Champions League.

The ECA issued a statement saying that it was clear that European clubs were very happy with the existing structure and did not want to see major changes to the format.   The option of direct qualification to the Champions League for the Europa League winner/finalists should be considered carefully with respect to the effects on the access list.