Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has played down the need for a Euro Super League, in a speech that will provide a repreive for Rangers in the fear of being locked out of the top competition and associated revenue in Europe.
Instead, the Juve chief has called for reforms to the existing Champions League set-up in order to meet the needs of the top clubs as well as the demands of broadcasters and fans.
As reported by the Glasgow Evening Times, Agnelli was speaking at the Think Sport conference 2021.
He stated the need to, “Increase the stability and participation, keep access from the domestic level, competitions at the European level should be open to all,”
“So we as the managers of the industry, we must keep the dream alive, which is one of the mantras of our history, everything should be based on sporting matters, of sporting merit, but that we should remember where the fans of the future are going, so there is a strong view that more European matches are welcome.”
“It is not just about England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, but we must embrace also the lower competitions, guarantee an adequate European representation but at the same time offer stability of participation. Stay ahead of new competitors in the changing media environment and respect and nurture the interests of domestic championships.”
Due to gains in the rankings table, Scotland will have two places in the Champions League qualification process for next season.
Power struggle
The threat of a breakaway Super League will always remain as it is in the interests of the elite clubs and provides them with a weapon to use against the governing bodies and other clubs, as required.
UEFA is well aware of this but they hold significant clout, especially in regard to the Champions League and Europa League as well as the European Championships, not forgetting their FIFA affiliation and the link to the World Cup.
This issue regarding reforms to the Champions League will go back to the European Clubs Association.
The ECA is the club only, members lobby group which effectively represents the interests of clubs across the European leagues and presents a united front to alllow them to negotiate with UEFA on matters of interest.