June 1 – European governing body UEFA is considering a Final Four format for the Champions League as a way to build a showpiece week of European football and generate more revenues.
Last season, the European confederation introduced a final eight format in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and congested calendar, leading to a fortnight of high-octane elite football in Lisbon with Bayern Munich clinching the European Cup.
The final eight was a success, but as broadcast income fell because of single-leg ties it wasn’t expected that UEFA would take the format forward. However, European boss Aleksander Ceferin has indicated that he would favour a final four in the future.
“I’m in favour of a ‘Final 4’ in the Champions League. It could be great and effective in terms of revenue if done right. But everyone has to give their point of view,” Ceferin told French sports daily L’Equipe.
“We are discussing it, but it is not decided. We liked the ‘Final 8’ last year in Portugal. But a ‘Final 8’ is over two weeks and that’s too much. For a ‘Final 4’, after 2024, there are advantages and disadvantages.”
From 2024, the Champions League will be reformatted with 36 clubs competing in a Swiss model. All participants will play four more matches than in the current format. Today, the knockout phase encompasses home-and-away ties until the final. On Saturday, Chelsea were crowned European champions for a second time after defeating Manchester City 1-0 in Porto.
“On the one hand, it can be a fantastic event with a football week complemented by other events like concerts,” said Ceferin. “But we lose matches, especially at home, for the clubs.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1736474819labto1736474819ofdlr1736474819owedi1736474819sni@i1736474819tnuk.1736474819ardni1736474819mas1736474819