Post by Salem6 on Mar 20, 2006 10:23:00 GMT
By John Sinnott
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4822224.stm
Europe's biggest clubs want the format of the
Champions League changed to increase the number of
games.
A 2003 revamp led to more knockout ties but fewer
games overall and G14, whose 18 members include
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, wants a
rethink.
"We are not talking about doubling the number of
games, it may be adding just one or two," Barcelona
vice-president Ferrano Soriano told BBC Sport.
"We have to have the opportunity to participate in the
final decision."
The G14 group, which at the weekend denied reports it
was planning to take control of the Champions League,
represents 18 of the world's richest clubs, including
Barcelona.
The general consensus is that the change in format has
stimulated greater competition and excitement in the
Champions League, highlighted by Porto's victory in
2004 and Liverpool's triumph in 2005.
But Europe's top clubs were furious that when the
format change was initially proposed in 2002 they were
not consulted about the restructure that led to the
second group stage being replaced by three knockout
rounds.
The new format ensured that teams played 12 games
instead of 16 to reach the final.
"The last time it was changed from two group stages to
one we couldn't say anything and that can't happen
again," added Soriano.
"In general terms the Champions League is a fantastic
competition but we want to have more games if
possible.
"We also want to guarantee competition in every game -
in some of the final group games there is no real
competition because the first and second place is
already decided.
"We want more games and guaranteed competition all the
time."
Soriano refused to confirm the G14's preferred format
for a revamped Champions League but he floated the
idea of a bigger initial group stage.
G14 wants the format change in place by 2009 at the
latest - but preferably for the start of the 2008
season.
The Barcelona vice-president added that any increase
in the number of Champions League games would have an
impact on the international football calendar.
"More match days for the Champions League is an issue
for the national associations as regards international
dates and that comes back to the calendar," he said.
"If those decisions are only taken through the
national associations' point of view then we are not
maximising the global benefits."
Last week G14 released a 10-point plan seeking a
direct vote for clubs in Uefa and for the organisation
to be included when the international calendar was
agreed.
As part of the plan G14 wants "adequate compensation"
for the release of players for international matches -
and for players who are injured when on duty for their
country.
The clubs also want a share of the revenue from the
World Cup and European Championship - if their players
are on show at those tournaments.
Soriano said: "We want to be present in the decision
bodies and whether that is through G14 is not so
relevant.
"We want a more intense participation at an official
level."
"We are key players in the industry and want to have
the same power to decide as the national
associations."
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has ignored G14, arguing
that national associations should reimburse clubs.
But Soriano said he was hopeful G14's concerns would
be resolved by the end of 2006.
"We are not talking about a power struggle, about
trying to get more money, about trying to be more
greedy," he insisted.
"It is about participation in the industry and that is
no different from any other business in the world.
"I think the year 2006 will be a key year and that we
will have a clearer situation and a better balance at
the end of it."