Discussions going on about ditching EL and expand CL from 32 to 64 teams. I've always wondered why the winners of the Europa League didn't get a seat at next seasons CL which I think would be a better solution since the only major problem I see in the current setup is the lack of desire and effort from most teams to go all the way in the EL. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...der-64-team-plan-scrapping-Europa-League.html "Seven English clubs could soon qualify for the lucrative Champions League if UEFA decide to ditch the Europa League. UEFA president Michel Platini admitted talks were on-going about the future of the European competitions amid reports Europe's top clubs were considering launching their own tournament. Asked about possible plans to extend the elite Champions League at the expense of the second-tier Europa League by the French newspaper Ouest-France, Platini said: 'There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018. 'We're discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet.' One of the options being looked at is the possibility of extending the final phase of the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams, which could allow up to seven English clubs to take part. The Europa League generates far lower revenue for clubs than the Champions League and has been criticised since it evolved from the UEFA Cup in 2009. Platini said that he was not worried by reports Europe's richest clubs were planning a competition to rival the Champions League. 'It's a question that is regularly brought up,' he said. 'It doesn't worry me. I can't see how it could work outside the UEFA framework. 'Who will referee them? In what stadiums will they play? A lot of people want them? I don't think so."
Totally agree that the winner should get a Champ League spot after all they would actually be champions of something (unlike most CL teams). Also reckon that if the Europa were to continue that it should be a purely knockout affair as the current format is far too intensive and frankly ****e. I hope we don't qualify for it. Best to just aim for the CL spots this year!
Yea I know Shame on me As Mustfrog mentions, a cup winners cup with a spot in CL for the winner would be ideal imo.
reminds me of Russell Howard - 'The daily mail, being racist so you don't have to be' hehe. Cup winners cup a good idea, not too keen on extending CL though as it diminish the elite element of the tournament. Saying that if 7 Prem clubs qualify then we would have to be in with a shout.
We'd be in with a real chance of qualifying for Champions League if there were 7 places up for grabs.
I'm not that troubled at the idea of expanding CL. There are a lot of very good teams around europe that can put up a fight but never gets a go at it. Most countries don't even get they league winners in CL so I kind of like the idea so it wont just be the billionaires tournament.
