THE Premier League’s Big Six are set to back a drastic revamp of the Champions League which could result in dramatic changes to the make up of the English game.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are privately in favour of an expansion of the Champions League group stage to 32 teams from the 2024-25 season, reports claim.
Big changes: The Champions League could be set for and overhaulCredit: AFP or licensors
Such plans would lead to the traditional footballing calendar being torn up, with FA Cup replays and two-legged League Cup semi-finals being scrapped and could even result in the number of Premier League teams being cut.
Such a move would be met with fierce opposition from clubs sitting outside the Big Six, and the Daily Mail reports the Premier League remains committed to maintaining the prominence of the domestic game.
The Big Six joined every other club in the top tier in signing a Premier League statement opposing the expansion of the Champions League group stage last June.
That statement argued against the introduction of a 14 match group stage, but it is understood the new approach, which would see four rather than eight more group games, is of greater appeal to England’s top sides.
They have held meetings with other European Club Association (ECA) members which have proved productive and are coming round to the idea of an expanded Champions League.
Many fear the changes could pave the way for a European Super league and ultimately result in the continent’s top sides no longer taking part in their domestic competitions.
As ever, money is a big part of the appeal for the giants of the game as a larger Champions League group stage would allow for greater match-day revenue.
However, the giant £9billion Premier League TV deal far outweighs that which is paid for Champions League rights and the Big Six remain keen to protect its value.
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They will also be aware that supporters are hardly tuning in in their droves to watch Champions League football.
The competition saw a 35 per cent drop in viewing figures in the 2018/19 campaign, which provided a number of hugely entertaining ties, and this has fuelled the desire for a change in set up.
Smaller clubs are concerned domestic games will have to be sacrificed to meet the wishes of the Big Six.
The FA Cup and the League Cup will be most at risk of change despite all 20 Premier League sides being committed to appearing in the competition.
The FA has already done away with cup replays, which are often hugely lucrative to smaller sides, from the fifth round onwards and is open to removing them completely.
The Premier League, EFL and FA remain committed to keeping English football’s structure in place despite an expansion of Europe’s elite club competition now being seen as inevitable.
Real Madrid are particularly keen for an overhaul and changes, which could create a greater divide between the Premier League’s haves and have-nots, are expected to be made before 2024.
The Big Six have already formed a splinter group from other Premier League which has led to private meetings being held.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
