Though the Super League is on its way out, the European governing body still approved a Champions League expansion this week
Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has accused UEFA of being primarily concerned with money.
Several of UEFA’s biggest clubs, including Barca, attempted to break away from the Champions League and join a Super League this week, only for the plan to spectacularly collapse.
In the meantime, however, UEFA is pushing forward with a plan to expand the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, increasing the number of group-stage games from six to 10.
What was said?
“It’s unbelievable what players need to play in the last few years in all competitions,” Koeman said in a news conference when asked about the Super League and Champions League.
“Everybody is talking about a Super League or a [new] Champions League or a different way of playing in Europe.
“UEFA is talking a lot, but it is not doing anything or listening to the football people, not the managers or the players, about the number of games. Most important for them is the money.
“Even in Spain, the number of games we need to play – tomorrow we play at 10pm – all of that is not always in a positive way for the players.
“I think that’s the most important. It’s normal to think about the future of football but first of all they have to protect the football players.”
What is the Super League status?
Super League chairman Andrea Agnelli has admitted that the competition cannot go ahead after all six English teams withdrew on Tuesday.
The Premier League’s “Big Six” have since been followed by Inter and Atletico Madrid, leaving only AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus remaining.
Barcelona have not yet exited but the club would be forced to withdraw anyway if their members voted against participation.
Asked his opinion on the Super League, Koeman said: “I am in agreement with [Gerard] Pique’s tweet,” after the defender said on Tuesday: “Football belongs to the fans. Today more than ever.”
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