Premier League clubs oppose proposed changes to European club football

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Changes to Champions League would alter domestic game
Clubs will ‘vigorously defend’ current structure
Champions League ball
One proposed change could mean the Champions League format is replaced with four groups of eight teams. Photograph: Lukas Schulze - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

The Premier League’s 20 clubs say they will “vigorously defend” the domestic game against any plans to alter it.

Uefa has recently started a consultation process for what some believe could be radical changes to European club football after the current arrangements expire in 2024. It is understood that one proposal, backed by the European Clubs Association chairman and Juventus owner, Andrea Agnelli, could mean the Champions League format is replaced with four groups of eight teams, with qualification based on historical performance.

This would in effect ring-fence the competition, and its riches, for the biggest clubs but it would also mean a lot more European games and Agnelli, and other club owners, have made little secret of their belief the elite should play fewer domestic matches . This would have a dramatic impact on the Premier League as it would almost certainly mean reducing it to 18 teams and ending their involvement in the Carabao Cup.

The Premier League said in a statement: “All clubs unanimously agreed it is inappropriate for European football bodies to create plans that would alter the structures, calendar and competitiveness of the domestic game and will work together to protect the Premier League.

“In England, football plays an important role in our culture and everyday life. Millions of fans attend matches across the country, with allegiances and local rivalries often passed down through generations. We have a fantastic combination of competitive football and committed fans that we will vigorously defend.

“The structures of domestic football are determined by leagues and their respective national associations. We will now work with the FA and other leagues to ensure that European football bodies understand the importance of this, and their obligation to maintain the health and sustainability of domestic league football.”

The European Leagues, an organisation that represents 35 leagues in 28 countries, including England and Scotland, sent a similar message to Uefa and the top clubs.

The ECA has tried to distance itself from the idea that some of its members are trying to create a European Super League by stealth.