European Breakaway League Still On The Table

The prospect of a breakaway European football league, featuring the top clubs with no promotion or relegation, is still a viable possibility according to Umberto Gandini, the director of AC Milan.

Despite the dissolution of the G14 lobbying group, which represented the top European clubs, and the installation of the subsequent European Clubs Association and its more ‘hands-on’ involvement with governing body UEFA, there is still a desire among some teams to go it alone.

Said Gandini: ‘I still believe a European league will be an unavoidable step, though it may take more time than expected.’

Indeed, so developed are the plans that Gandini, who as one of four club representatives on UEFA’s strategy forum has a voice in European football’s most influential decision-making body, outlined a scenario in which clubs retain a presence in their domestic leagues.

He added: ‘Between the 50 most important continental clubs, none would give up playing in their respective countries. It will be a natural evolution, with both levels properly integrated.’

Gandini’s comments would seem to place pressure on the existing Champions League tournament which enters the knock-out phase this week.

The reasoning behind the move would see the top clubs gain increasing control over the structure and revenues generated from the elite tournament.