Champions League: How a move across the Atlantic can change the league's potential
The Champions League could reportedly make a move for the United States soon. The proposal has been processed favourably by UEFA and other significant bodies
UEFA : Major changes announcedThe move will include a few games in the group stages, which could potentially globalise the sport. The proposition is possibly under review as UEFA is currently holding meetings before a European Club Association (ECA) gathering in Turkey.
It has been reported that Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi is one of the people keenly supporting the plan. He is the chairman of the ECA, besides being on the UEFA executive committee.
The ECA represents the top clubs that compete in UEFA's European competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League. All the clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, had broken away from the body to form a continental breakaway competition.
It initiated the inconsequential launch of the European Super League, which did not last due to public protest and disapproval. Now, they rejoined the independent body that represents football clubs at the European level.
United and City became a part of the European Club Association (ECA) again alongside AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Why is UEFA attending meetings with the ECA?
The meetings aim to increase fans' interest in the two tournaments worldwide, which might grow if the players and matches are moved outside Europe.
The proposal wants to shift a selection of fixtures to other countries worldwide, including the US. We have previously seen top-notch teams of Europe fly to the other side of the Atlantic for preseason matches.
It allows fans of those clubs in the US to watch their favourite players live. Manchester City and Manchester United are among the top teams with the most fans Stateside.
Although the prospect has American fans reeling in joy, it might not actualise before 2024. The broadcast and commercial contracts require UEFA's European club competitions to be held in Europe for two more seasons.
This means that moving isn't on UEFA's priority list, so games staged in the US might take a while to actualise. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in 2021, supported an idea that involved organising the latter stages of the Champions League campaign being closed in four days.
This format is seen in the FIFA World Cup, and Ceferin revealed that he loved watching two single-legged semi-finals and the final in a Champions League "final four" week.