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Rabat – Saudi Arabia is reportedly eyeing a groundbreaking “wild card” entry into the UEFA Champions League.
According to sources cited by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Saudi authorities are preparing to present a proposal to UEFA, the governing body of European football, seeking to grant the winners of the Saudi Pro League a shot at the Champions League starting from the 2024-25 season.
The plan aims to provide the Saudi domestic league champions with a direct route into Europe’s premier club competition. This proposed “wild card” entry would challenge the traditional format of the European football structure.
The minds behind this initiative, operating from the city of Jeddah, are reportedly advocating for a sweeping overhaul of the existing Champions League format, paving the way for Saudi representation.
Their vision coincides with the introduction of a new structure for the Champions League, which will accommodate a greater number of teams.
The new format will encompass 36 teams, each engaging in eight matches before advancing to the knockout stages.
Read also: Abderazzak Hamdallah Leads Saudi League’s Team Of the Week
If this proposal finds favor within UEFA, it could signify a return for some of football’s biggest names to the European stage.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, who have recently joined the Saudi Pro League, might once again grace Europe’s premier competition if the proposal goes through
If accepted, the proposal would also help Saudi football establish its presence at the forefront of the sport.
Yet, the pathway to implementation is far from straightforward. Convincing UEFA to undergo a structural transformation of their flagship tournament will require navigating complicated negotiations and overcoming potential resistance from various stakeholders.
But with Saudi Arabia’s considerable financial resources and the influx of top-tier talent into their domestic league, the prospect of a Saudi team making an appearance in the Champions League has become increasingly plausible, despite resistance from fans.
