Phil SumblerProposals from UEFA to revamp the Champions League could see the demise of the EFL Cup it is rumoured or at least the impact that it could for many sides just become a youth competition.
UEFA’s proposal would see 100 more matches and four extra dates created for European fixtures before Christmas with the format of the Champions League being extended to 36 teams from the current level of 32 and each of those 36 teams playing 10 matches between September and December.
Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parrish attended a European Leagues meeting today and spoke about the ‘devastating’ impact that the proposals could have on domestic cup competitions in England
“It feels like we’re expected to accept these proposals because they are not as bad as they could have been,” he said.
“This would have a devastating effect on domestic competitions in England. The League Cup is the largest financial contributor to the Football League and this will either be the end of that cup in its entirety or reduce it to a youth competition.
“For clubs like us, it’s very difficult to understand where you have a voice in these conversations. We feel very remote from the decision-making.”
It has long since been suggested that the Champions League format is to be revamped with the usual situation of teams wanting to ensure that they retain a place at the top table and often at the detriment of their domestic competitions.
For many seasons now we have seen teams, often at many levels. fielding ‘weakened’ teams in domestic competitions and it is clear that Parish fears for a competition that we won in 2013 should these ideas pass.
UEFA’s proposal also suggests that they plan to allocate two of the additional four places from the current 32-team group stage on the basis of historical co-efficient instead of where they finish in the league table. Using the example of the English domestic leagues this season that could mean West Ham or Everton missing out to Spurs even if they finish above them because Spurs have a better historical co-efficient.
However, that is not gaining much support with European Leagues president Lars-Christer Olsen saying “Sporting merit should be the guiding principle and we should not qualify teams on co-efficient.”
It would be a massive disappointment to see the demise of the competition that represents our only major trophy not least because it would be done for the benefit of just a few clubs at the top end of the league ladders. We have become used in recent years to see that happen but Parish makes some excellent points particularly around what seems to be the fact that the majority of clubs are remote from the decision making process.
