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(Reuters) – UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated on Friday he was in favour of a Last 4 format for the Champions League because it may generate revenues and appreciable pleasure over a complete week every year.
European soccer’s governing physique final month made some adjustments to its prime continental membership competitors by approving a brand new format from the 2024-25 season with 36 golf equipment and groups set to play 4 extra matches in comparison with the present format.
However the remaining part of the competitors stays a knockout stage from the spherical of 16 onwards, with a remaining hosted every year by a distinct metropolis.
“I am in favour of a ‘Last 4’ within the Champions League. It could possibly be nice and efficient when it comes to income if carried out proper. However everybody has to offer their standpoint,” Ceferin informed French newspaper L’Equipe.
“We’re discussing it, however it’s not determined. We appreciated the ‘Last 8’ final yr in Portugal.”
Because of months-long interruptions in play due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, UEFA needed to reschedule the competitors and scheduled the ultimate part in Portugal.
“However a ‘Last 8’ is over two weeks and that is an excessive amount of. For a ‘Last 4’, after 2024, there are benefits and drawbacks,” added Ceferin.
“On the one hand, it may be a improbable occasion with a soccer week complemented by different occasions like concert events. However we lose matches, particularly at dwelling, for the golf equipment,” stated Ceferin.
By enjoying the semi-finals in a single location, groups concerned would lose out on revenues had they featured in two legs.
UEFA final month needed to fend off an try by 12 prime European golf equipment to kind a breakaway European Tremendous League.
Manchester Metropolis face Chelsea within the Champions League remaining in Porto on Saturday. Each groups have been among the many 12 who failed of their try and arrange the breakaway league.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Enhancing by Ken Ferris)
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