Champions League: Chinese group Wanda considering a new model for a European Cup (Financial Times)

The Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda, a FIFA Partner (2016-2030) and property of Wang Jianlin, the richest man in China, have the ambition to create a new competition between the best European clubs to, in direct competition against the Champions League tournament, according to the Financial Times, on 08/07/2016.

According to the British publication, Wanda has begun discussions with the Spanish (LaLiga) and Italian (Serie A TIM) championships, and is expected to open talks, now that Euro 2016 is over, with Germany (Bundesliga), England (Premier League) and France (Ligue 1). These "Top 5 countries" provide UEFA with 80% of the TV rights for European cup competitions.

Wanda hope for the support of UEFA, but is willing to offer a new, independent competition without this. "The future must be marked by greater freedom, based on the needs of clubs and leagues who must have a choice," said Marco Bogarelli, strategic director of Wanda Sports.

A single, enlarged European competition

• Wanda wants to create a single competition with a number of teams anywhere from 32 to 64.
• The five major…