ROME (AP) — UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed support for inclusivity at the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). european soccer on Wednesday following reports of new meetings with the companies behind the failure. super league project.
“Europe sets the standards for world football,” Ceferin said in a speech at the FA General Assembly. european soccer clubs Formerly the European Club Association, it represents around 800 teams from across the continent. “And for that very reason, we are seeing attempts from outside to reshape the game.”
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo recently reported that UEFA has held several meetings with Madrid-based A22 Sports Management (which organized the failed Super League launch), Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“Change is part of the story of football, we know it all too well. But lasting value can only come from unity, balance and reforms that strengthen everyone, not just some,” Ceferin said. “UEFA has never and will not organize a competition for just 12 clubs.”
In 2021, a group of 12 of Europe’s oldest clubs announced plans to create a new league that would effectively replace UEFA and Europe’s elite club tournament, the Champions League. The controversial plan, which drew outrage from fans and politicians, would have protected the top 15 clubs from relegation and guaranteed teams a place regardless of their success in domestic competitions.
Court of Justice of the European Union Ruled in 2023 It claimed that UEFA and FIFA had breached EU competition law by blocking the Super League plans. Late last year, A22 Amended withdrawal proposal The competition will feature 96 teams across four leagues, with promotion, relegation and withdrawal from the competition, as well as a women’s tournament.
“UEFA wants the dream to live on,” Ceferin said. “We make sure club football is inclusive, and everyone has a chance to win in the best competition. … Football is more than just a balance sheet. It’s more than just entertainment. It’s the life of our community. It’s the city, the club and the fans that shape it. And if we pull it too far from its roots, we risk destroying it.”
Ceferin’s comments came two days later. UEFA reluctantly said it would not oppose plans to destroy tradition Barcelona will play their league match in Miami, while AC Milan will play in Australia. Fierce opposition from fan groups Beyond the continent.
The European Union’s top sports official, Glenn Micallef, has hinted that UEFA will reaffirm that it will continue to block any withdrawal proposals.
“In Europe, we don’t believe in closed leagues,” Micallef said. “That is not the way we play our sport. Our principle is that success is earned on the pitch and not guaranteed by privilege. UEFA was therefore right to take the initial position on this matter, and this week’s decision was also right.”
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