Champions League: Aleksander Ceferin in favor of a Final 4

As the kickoff of the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City approaches, Aleksander Ceferin has once again spoken out on the reform of the competition, defending the establishment of a Final 4, from 2024. A project inspired in particular by the unprecedented organization experienced by C1 in 2020, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in Lisbon being held in August.

In an interview with the daily L'Équipe this Friday from Porto, the UEFA president said:

We liked Final 8 last year in Portugal.

But a Final 8 is over two weeks and that's too much.

For a Final 4, after 2024, there are pros and cons.

On the one hand, it can be a fantastic event with a football week complemented by other events like concerts.

But we lose matches, especially at home, for the clubs.

The televisions would also have fewer meetings ”.

"There are financial and marketing questions to be resolved"

“There are financial and marketing issues to be sorted out. But I, personally, would like it to happen. I am in favor of a Final 4 in the Champions League. It could be great, ”he continued. For now, Aleksander Ceferin assures him: "It is not decided". The decision could be taken "within a year". The semi-finals and the final of the competition would then be played over one and the same week, and in one and the same city.

The UEFA president also spoke about the abortive establishment of the Super League, citing "a conspiracy led by a few clubs", "a shocking and unacceptable attitude", but which will have finally made it possible to "clarify the situation of European football ”. Sanctions could be taken by the UEFA disciplinary committee. A procedure was launched on Tuesday against Real Madrid, Juventus Turin and FC Barcelona, ​​who still refuse to deny their project.