One thing remains non-negotiable: UEFA boss praises own European Cup reform: "Clubs are overwhelmed"
"It's a huge success that has exceeded our expectations."
(Photo: dpa)
UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin draws a positive conclusion from the first year of the new European Cup format. The clubs are also giving him positive feedback. Nevertheless, possible adjustments are being discussed. However, one thing remains out of the question.
Ahead of the Champions League final in Munich, UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin reflects with satisfaction on the first year since the change to the European Cup format. "You can't consider any success 100 percent, but it is a huge success that has exceeded our expectations. If you put the Champions League aside for a moment, you look at the Europa League and the Conference League," Ceferin told Kicker.
The Slovenian cited the example of Celje, which surprisingly reached the quarterfinals of the Conference League and challenged the much richer AC Fiorentina. "So this new format offers clubs like these even more opportunities," said the 57-year-old. Next Saturday (9 p.m.), the 2024/25 European Cup season will end with the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Starting this season, the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League will be opened in a league format instead of the previous group stage. This results in a tournament bracket. Ceferin has also received positive feedback from the clubs. "The clubs are overwhelmed. They are so incredibly happy, it's hard to believe. Fundamentally, we also have very good relationships with the European leagues, who understand that, to some extent, we live in the same ecosystem and have to work together. We all grow through our competition," said the UEFA boss.
Abolish extension?Ceferin also acknowledged that an adjustment to the knockout round was being discussed. According to this, the best teams in the league phase could be rewarded with home advantage in all return matches in the future. "We've received some interesting proposals. This is definitely a good point. But there's no decision yet," said the UEFA President. "Honestly, I also think that performing very well in the league phase should mean something in this competition. For me personally, it makes sense."
However, Ceferin ruled out the abolition of extra time and a direct penalty shootout, which could help reduce the already heavy workload for some players. "We haven't discussed that. It won't happen in club competitions," said the 57-year-old.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
n-tv.de
