UEFA is reportedly interested in making some significant changes to the Champions League, including staging matches in the US.
The sport’s governing body in Europe is holding meetings ahead of the European Club Association meeting in Turkey later in the week. Essentially, the ECA represents the big clubs from across the continent. These are teams that regularly compete in Champions League or Europa League competitions. Meetings are being organized to discover ways to increase interest in these tournaments. Consequently, that means producing more profit.
Reports suggest that one of these ideas is to play certain Champions League matches outside the region. This would be an attempt to bring more meaningful games to fans around the world. Normally, people outside of Europe could only watch their favorite clubs play pre-season friendlies.
One of the most influential people supporting this idea is PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. He not only chairs the ECA, but is also part of the UEFA executive committee. Although these proposals are still in their infancy, the plan is supposedly to bring these massive matches to new markets. Therefore, one of the potential locations for the Champions League matches could be the United States.
UEFA Champions League and more possibly in the US.
As well as playing some Champions League matches outside of Europe, UEFA is contemplating something similar with the Super Cup. The annual match between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League normally takes place in August each year.
Work is also underway to introduce a completely new tournament. UEFA is considering a mini tournament to include four clubs. One of these teams will be the reigning champions of the Champions League. Meanwhile, the other three clubs would apparently only be elected each year. The “Apertura Tournament” would be held at the beginning of the season.
did you know ????
More fans in the US and China are influenced by a successful team than in most other markets, and European events have a significant influence on shaping their fan base. #FutureofFandom #WeAreECA pic.twitter.com/o02aB7xTh5
— ECA (@ECAEurope) September 16, 2022
Just four days ago, the ECA’s official Twitter account made references to the US and Chinese markets. They stated that these two regions are more affected by a successful football team compared to other areas. The ECA used this data to fuel its plans to take European club football abroad.
“This highlights that there are opportunities for European clubs and competitions to build on this interest and influence; increase the availability of European club football to these audiences and enable exposure to these events to continue to generate deeper interest and engagement.”
PHOTO: IMAGO / Beautiful Sports
