April 27 – UEFA’s plans to give two Champions League places to teams based on their historical record in Europe is being challenged by middle-ranked clubs who say the concept is unfair on a sporting level.
The move is due to take place in 2024 under UEFA’s new format when the competition expands from 32 to 36 teams.
“I do not believe that should be the right requirement to participate in the European competitions,” Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Axel Hellman told AP. “I would be more open to other leagues and other clubs, and the national qualification is therefore the most important door to be kept open.”
Eintracht have reached the semi-final of the Europa League for the second time in four years and Hellman says middle-ranked teams should be prioritised for the Champions League over the historical elite if the latter do not qualify by right.
“I’m very strong with some other clubs in the initiative to strengthen the interests of the middle class European clubs,” he said.
“We are not the voice of all the European clubs. But there’s one thing that we could do, at least. We could give the other middle-class clubs a voice and organizing an initiative with some other clubs, and that’s something we are working on.”
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