The 2023/24 football season has started. It won’t be long before the Champions League anthem is played for the first time.
Recently, a crazy rumor made the rounds that clubs from Saudi Arabia could also take part in the Champions League in the future. There are even said to be initial talks with UEFA. Now the association is reacting more than clearly to it.
Champions League: Saudi-Arabien-Invasion?
In the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar caused a sensation year after year. Especially CR7, who is the record goalscorer in the premier class, loves this competition. But now, like many other top stars, he is playing in Saudi Arabia.
Also interesting: Saudi clubs’ transfer madness finally over? FIFA takes drastic action
Is there still a way for the mega stars to take part in the Champions League? The Italian sports economics newspaper “Calcio e Finanza” caused a great deal of excitement with a report. Saudi Arabia is said to have approached Uefa and asked to be given a wildcard spot for the largest European competition (read more here).
The first talks are said to have already taken place. Fans were immediately concerned that the Saudi sheikhs are now even buying into the popular tournament. With the loss of numerous top stars and a major UCL reform, it could actually be possible for a team to be given a wildcard. Or not?
UEFA responds clearly to fan fear
The European Football Association is not at all happy about this speculation. “It’s a crazy invention by a supposedly reputable newspaper from Italy,” Zvonimir Boban, technical director and head of football at UEFA, told 20 minutes.
And the Croatian continues: “Like all UEFA competitions, the Champions League is only contested by European clubs, President Ceferin has said that a hundred times,” said Boban, who rated the speculation as “nonsense”.
More news for you:
The football fans will breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the upcoming season of the premier class. The groups will be drawn on August 31st before the first game finally kicks off on September 19th.
2023-08-28 17:43:09
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