By Andrew Warshaw
November 29 – Despite considerable efforts to make it more appealing and competitive, UEFA is now considering ditching the much-maligned Europa League and doubling the size of the Champions League.
UEFA President Michel Platini has confirmed that expanding the Champions League to 64 clubs was being discussed – but would only come into effect from 2015.
“We’re discussing it,” Platini said in an interview with a French newspaper.
“We will make a decision in 2014.
“Nothing is decided yet.
“There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018.”
Ever since it replaced the UEFA Cup in various guises, the Europa League (trophy pictured top) has been in the shadow of the more prestigious and lucrative senior competition.
Platini’s comments may have something to do with the fact that UEFA earned about £800 million ($1.3 billion/€980 million) more from the Champions League than the Europa League last season, while Chelsea (pictured below) made £49 million ($78 million/€61 million) by winning the Champions League in May compared to Atlético Madrid’s £8.5 million ($13.6 million/€10.5 million) for taking the Europa League trophy.
The idea of doubling the Champions League may also be a way staving off the possibility of a breakaway European league.
But Platini said he was not worried by talk of a tournament to rival the Champions League being set up.
“It’s a question that is regularly brought up,” he said.
“I can’t see how it could work outside the UEFA framework.
“Who will referee them?
“In what stadiums will they play?
“Do a lot of people really want it?
“I don’t think so.”
Another proposal, one that certainly has merit, is to award Champions League qualification to the winners of the Europa League, and possibly even the runners-up too, in a bid to boost interest in the second-tier tournament.
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