Blow to the Super League: Even Agnelli likes the Champions League reform plans

A ndrea Agnelli, the chairman of the European Club Association and of Juventus, has long been one of the main backers of a European Super League, but even he is impressed by UEFA's plans for making the existing Champions League better.

There has been talk of using what is called the Swiss system, which is often used in chess and which would bring more continental matches.

In Agnelli 's view, this is promising. That, say The Times, is a blow to those wanting a brand new Super League.

"If we look at what's happening at the moment, we will have to tackle the issues of polarisation and competitive balance and the lack of interest," The Times report Agnelli as saying.

"The so-called Swiss system is a very interesting system. It's a great system, because it's scalable so the number games you play in the early stages are a non-predetermined number of games.

"What I can tell you with certainty is from the ECA's perspective, given what has happened in 2019. I will want any and all reforms to go through the general assembly of the ECA with all clubs voting for whatever our collective future will be."

Agnelli also suggested he wouldn't want the main continental competitions of the future to be closed off to smaller clubs.

"Competitions at European level should be open to all so that we, as managers of the industry, must keep the dream alive, which is one of the mantras of our history," he said.

"Everything must be based on sporting matters, on sporting merit.

"We should remember where the fans of the future are going so it is our view that more European matches are welcome.

"We must also embrace the lower competitions. [We must have] guaranteed and adequate European representations, but at the same time offer stability of participation, stay ahead of new competitors in a changing media environment and respect and nurture the interest of domestic championships."