Unbelievable, but it was: UEFA is already planning a new club championship. In the summer there will be a mini tournament where four teams play against each other in a knockout system. The tournament will be held in the USA. The reason: Clubs are already traveling around the world in their preparation. One of the participants must also be the winner of the Champions League.
The ulterior motive is that the format of the “fourth championship” should be acceptable to football fans. UEFA is planning to have the four semi-finalists play against each other in the Champions League knockout system as well. This “inaugural tournament”, as UEFA calls it, will take place prior to the CL group stage of the 2024/25 season.
Strong criticism of the European Football Association
Just last year, the entry into the Conference League caused discontent among clubs, players and fans, With the latest Nations League matches scheduled as well. So it makes sense that this idea should be criticized again.
The French Professional Footballers Union (UNFP) reacted with great sarcasm: “How do you get rid of the burdens of an already crazy international schedule if not by adding a competition? One can discover it. UEFA did it.”
The president defends the project
This would make the game calendar more crowded, giving footballers less time to recover between seasons. In the same ironic tone, the federation explained the meaning of the mini-tournament: “It will ban all those who think that UEFA only wants to fill their coffers, regardless of the health of the players, regardless of the scene and football.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin (54) wants to appease critics. The Slovenian insists that every effort will be made to allay fears that there will be additional pressure on the schedule. Perhaps the answer from other federations, players and clubs is only a matter of time. (Che)
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