If it is up to UEFA, the format of the traditional battle for the European Super Cup will be changed. Now the Champions League winner plays against the champions of the Europa League. However, with the arrival of the Conference League, the European Football Association sees an opportunity to introduce a mini-tournament, in which the American champion will also compete.
The European Super Cup is the traditional start of the European football season and is played over one match. With UEFA’s new intentions, the duel will be turned into a Final Four tournament. The three winners of the European tournaments will be accompanied by the American champion, reports The Guardian. The United States is considered by UEFA as the most important growth market for European football. The football association also thinks it can make a lot of profit in the commercial field.
For now, this just seems like a test balloon. However, the idea of an opening tournament from 2024 to replace the European Super Cup would gain momentum as a means of generating more revenue. In addition, tapping into new audiences, especially gaining popularity with families and female fans, is an important reason. Earlier there were also sounds to finish the Champions League final in the United States, but for the time being that is not realistic.
The Guardian has spoken to sources reporting that options for the Final Four tournament are being seriously considered. The tournament should become a weekend festival of sorts with halftime shows like the Super Bowl, the final of the American Football season. Those same sources point out that other sports have successfully brought competition to new markets. For example, the American Football Association NFL has played games in London during the regular season. The plans will be discussed further during the general meeting of the European Club Association (ECA) in Istanbul on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September.
