With some of the top clubs struggling to get into the Champions League spots in their domestic tables, it seems that they are trying to get automatic reservations to the European tournament at the expense of clubs with less resources.
The European Clubs Association (ECA), that is mainly formed by representatives from some of the footballing giants of the continent, are apparently looking to put forward a proposal to the UEFA to make the Champions League accessible to mostly just the top clubs.
According to a report in The Sun, this plan entails that reserved spots would be granted to the teams that are considered to be the giants of the game and can rake in the big bucks for the broadcasters.
The report says that both Manchester United and AC Milan are pushing hard for this plan to be implemented. Even if the UEFA decides to accept such a plan, it is not set to come into effect until 2018 when the new broadcast deals are to be put into effect.
Manchester United are five points off the pace from a Champions League spot right now, and are likely to not qualify for the second time in three years. It is a similar situation at the San Siro, with AC Milan likely to be going into their third season without Champions League football, which has been significantly detrimental for the club’s finances.
Minnows to miss out?
The reason why this suggestion is not getting a favourable response is because the permanent Champions League slots would be given to the teams that draw in the largest amount of TRPs for the broadcasters. In such a case, Manchester United, who are struggling to get results out of their matches, would be at the top of every broadcaster’s list because they have one of the largest fan bases in the world. The likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich would also benefit from this move.
However the likes of Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, who have been playing really good football of late, are the ones who would likely suffer from such a move.
