By Andrew Warshaw
August 19 – The manager of Scottish giants Celtic has urged UEFA not to bow to the demands of Europe’s traditional big-hitters to the detriment of other equally deserving clubs as European football’s governing body prepares to head off the threat of a breakaway Super League.
UEFA’s top brass seem certain next month to agree to change the format of the Champions League allowing the top four clubs from Europe’s four biggest leagues – currently Spain, England, Germany and Italy – to qualify automatically for the group stages.
The idea is due to be discussed by the European Clubs Association at its annual assembly in Geneva in early September, and then most likely formalised by UEFA’s executive committee in Athens 10 days later.
Under the plan, which would come into effect in the 2018-19 season, half of the 32 clubs in the group stage would qualify directly. But Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says a fair system must be in place for clubs from UEFA’s other 51 nations whose fan bases and history are just as strong.
Celtic were the first British team to win the old European Cup, beating favourites Inter Milan in 1967, and Rodgers said: “I can understand the powers that be want those clubs (from the top four countries) to be in there but Celtic has the right to be in there too.
“Celtic is a big club, a huge club. The competition is a better place for clubs such as Celtic and (four-time winner) Ajax for example – teams with great history in the European Cup and Champions League.”
“European football deserves Celtic at the top table. I understand the respect and money in England and elsewhere. I was a part of it (as Liverpool manager) for a number of years. But surely it’s not all about the money. It’s also about the prestige and there has to be a door open for the type of clubs like Celtic and the great historical clubs of European football.”
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