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| Champions' League could be extended from 32 teams to 64. |
Michel Platini has had more than his fair share of utterly
bonkers ideas since assuming the throne of UEFA President in 2007. His latest,
however, seems to have been dressed, by many, in a frilly frock and branded a
masterstroke.
I am, of course, talking about Mr Platini’s rather bizarre
suggestion that the participating members in the Champions’ League could be
doubled when the final decision is made in 2014.
Not only would this dilute the quality of teams involved,
but that would potentially mean SEVEN English teams being put through to Europe’s
elite competition, at the expense of the Europa League, which would be
scrapped.
This all comes amid the equally ludicrous reports the Europe’s
top teams would form a break-away tournament, completely separate from anything
organised by UEFA.
You’ve probably already gathered that I am utterly opposed
to the idea, although I can see why the likes of Liverpool, Everton and
Tottenham would all be looking on excitedly. It would certainly increase their
chances of a glitzy away day in Barcelona or Milan.
But the thing I’ve always struggled with, even in the
Champions’ League’s current format, is the fact that it is, essentially,
something of a fraud. At least, it certainly is not what it says on the tin.
How can a side who has finished fourth in the Premier League
rightfully justify their place amongst Europe’s elite, or as we’re led to
believe – champions?
Call me old fashioned, but I think I preferred the format of
the competition back in the days it was known as the European Cup. Fourth place
wouldn’t have got anywhere near it!
In my books, the winners of the FA Cup, and dare I even say,
the Carling Cup are far more deserving of a place in Europe’s top club
competition. They’ve won something. They are, indeed, champions.
Now compare that to what Michel Platini has in mind –
seventh place being eligible for a position in the Champions’ League.
Well, if someone finishes seventh and gets a place in the
Champions’ league ahead of a true champion, then maybe there is something
inherently wrong with the game we love.
