Reports | Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham set to oppose Champions League changes
Arsenal and Tottenham are amongst a group of Premier League sides that are set to oppose changes to the Champions League that will change the format of the group stages. The current Champions League contract expires after the 2023 competition, with changes to the current format being discussed.
The London clubs are just three potential sides that are set to oppose the new Champions League structure in the near future, reports Football London. The other sides are Leicester City, Everton and Newcastle United, with a few more set to join them before the year is out. The current Champions League structure expires in a few years, with UEFA discussion potential changes.
At the moment, the changes being discussed would potentially lead to the expulsion of the League/EFL/Carabao Cup, if the changes are made permanent. It would see the Champions League group stage increase from six to 14 games, which would effectively see teams field their youth sides or step out the League Cup. The ECA are also looking to add a third-tier European competition, which would increase European matches from 407 to 647.
A Premier League insider told Football London that this is a sign that the bigger Premier League sides see just how important English football is and that the fight is so much bigger than themselves. They also add that the money earned from the new structure would be enormous, but it would also damage the entire English league, down to the National League, which is something that nobody wants.