The future of the Champions League and Europa League is under discussion by Uefa. One possibility is the absorption of the Europa League by the Champions League to create a 64-club competition. Quite how this would work out in practice remains to be seen, but it could involve an eight club group stage but with only one fixture between clubs instead of two as at present.
The future of the Champions League and Europa League is under discussion by Uefa. One possibility is the absorption of the Europa League by the Champions League to create a 64-club competition. Quite how this would work out in practice remains to be seen, but it could involve an eight club group stage but with only one fixture between clubs instead of two as at present.
The Champions League has been an undoubted success: the real problem is the Europa League. It has never really matched the attraction of the Uefa Cup it replaced. Clubs compete in it dutifully, but it is seen as very much second best to the Champions League.
The financial calculations are clear. Chelsea won £48.4m in broadcast revenue and prize money from winning last year’s Champions League. Manchester United made £28,4m despite departing at the group stage. Stoke City made only £2.85m from their 12 games in the Europa League.
The fixture congestion that results from the Europa League can also exert a heavy toll, particularly for teams that cannot afford large squads. Newcastle’s performance in the Premier League this season has undoubtedly been adversely affected by injuries and tiredness resulting from Europa League games.
The possibility of eight English clubs entering a 64-club competition is likely to appeal to Premier League owners, although some concern has been expressed in Scotland about the possible implications for Scottish clubs.
In the short run, however, Uefa may focus on trying to enhance the Europa League. One step that is likely to be taken is to give the winner a place in the Champions League competition.