UEFA TO HOLD TALKS WITH TOP EUROPEAN CLUBS OVER POTENTIAL CHANGES TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Talks are due to take place this week between UEFA and some of Europe’s top clubs over potential changes to the Champions League.

These are the first formal discussions between clubs and European football’s governing body in many years, with initial talks to take place, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The talks will take place at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland

And while any changes are far off, or might not even come to pass at all, there are dramatic proposals to be discussed.

One big change is believed to be the rescheduling of Champions League matches from their current midweek time slot to a prime time weekend schedule, thus replacing domestic league fixtures over specific weekends.

However, according to the Associated Press, this change is unlikely with UEFA ruling out such a proposal despite interest from clubs.

Talks are also due to be held over a restructuring of the Champions League qualification format with a promotion and relegation system, which would close the elite off and make it harder for smaller teams to book their place in Europe’s premier cup competition.

A UEFA spokesperson confirmed the meeting will take place.

The European clubs will be represented at the talks by the board of the European Club Association (ECA), which includes executives from clubs such as Juventus, Manchester United and Barcelona.

Any changes are unlikely to come into force until 2024 at the earliest, with UEFA and the ECA agreeing a memo of understanding last month to keep the current competition formats for the next five years.