Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has confirmed that work is under way for a third UEFA competition.
Following on from his confirmation that a new, 32-team tournament would be created to complement the Champions League and Europa League, Agnelli explained the reasons behind its formation.
Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has confirmed that work is under way for a third UEFA competition.
Following on from his confirmation that a new, 32-team tournament would be created to complement the Champions League and Europa League, Agnelli explained the reasons behind its formation.
“We’re working on the introduction of the third UEFA competition,” he said at the World Football Summit in Madrid, in his role as Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA).
“It was strongly desired by the clubs so they could have more chances to participate in European tournaments during the season.
“With UEFA, we’re also considering the opportunity to reduce the number of teams in the Europa League, from 48 to 32.
“We want more balance in this fantastic sport because it remains the most beautiful sport in the world.
“We have to think about what football we want to leave behind for our children. In the 70s and 80s, the European Champion Clubs’ Cup was won by teams like Ajax and Benfica.
“Now it’s complicated to see them at the top because of the enormous economic disparity between them and clubs from Spain, England and Germany.
“Football has grown at an incredible rate in the last decade. The factor that makes the most difference is the revenue from domestic rights, but a third of football revenue comes from the 12 richest clubs.”