European Cups reform: "We must give the whole pyramid a chance to develop" (E. van der Sar, Ajax)

"It is essential to maintain free access for all countries. I understand that the major clubs of the major leagues are attracting attention. It's normal, they attract most of the stars and their channels contribute a lot to the TV rights. But we must give the whole pyramid a chance to develop," said Edwin van der Sar, CEO of AFC Ajax (Eredivisie), to the French sports daily L'Équipe on 30/04/2019, regarding the European Cup reform project and in particular the Champions League.

An "informal brainstorming session to exchange views and ideas around UEFA club competitions post-2024" took place between the UEFA Executive Committee and ECA Executive Board at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon (SUI) on Tuesday 19/03/2019. The 32 Champions League clubs could, from 2024-25, be divided into four groups of eight teams (instead of eight groups of four), with 14 guaranteed matches and the assurance that the top five in each group (20 clubs) will participate in the next edition, regardless of their national league results. The sixth and seventh of each group would play in play-offs for four places in…