The 'SuperChampions', to debate

The main leagues europe Soccer players will hold an online meeting tomorrow to discuss UEFA's plans for a new Champions League format, with a major group stage reshuffle on the agenda. The institution has been consulting with clubs and leagues on how to revive the group stage and the option of implementing more games is the favorite for the continental body.

The debate has focused on eliminating the format where currently there are eight groups of four clubs with each team playing three games at home and as many away. That format is often a chore, with the most powerful teams qualifying with a game or two to spare. UEFA is considering replacing it with a format in which 32 clubs would play with 10 different opponents and the classification would come from a table with league format. That would allow offering more games, as the institution intends. In this way, there would be more income and the interest of fans would increase, according to UEFA.

The plan, called 'Swiss model'was endorsed by Andrea Agnelli, director of the Association of European Clubs and president of Juventus, although he indicated last week that he could push for a review: “I think it's a great system. Although the number of games you play in the early stages may differ between clubs“.

It is clear that they will not accept the matches of this 'SuperChampions' on weekends. Further, there would be a guarantee that the qualification to the competition will be as before, according to the position obtained in the national league. While there appears to be broad consensus on the changes to the tournament format, UEFA is likely to face intense debates with clubs on the method of financial distribution.