UEFA are considering a major revamp to the Super Cup by creating a four-team mini tournament with a team from Major League Soccer competing against the King of Europe.
The latest bombshell proposal is understood to be under serious consideration from Alkesander Ceferin and Co as they continue their quest to shake-up their existing format. The mooted plan would see the holders of the Champions League, Europa League and the Europa Conference League duke it out with the MLS champions. It could come into effect from the start of the 2024/25 season – the same campaign when the Champions League extends to 36 teams.
Suggestions are the new event could feature Super Bowl style entertainment – something PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a vocal backer of European football's governing body, has championed in recent years. Rangers were a penalty shoot-out away from Europa League glory last season and a trip Stateside could become a reality if they, Celtic, Hearts or another SPFL side secured a European trophy in years to come.
UEFA 's desire to think outside the box goes beyond revenue with some of the leading clubs in European football last year failing in their bid to set up a breakaway Super League venture that was almost universally opposed by fans. And that, according to the Press Association, could lead to an ambitious expansion into the US.
The US, considered the key growth market for European football, is also among potential destinations included in talks over staging Champions League matches outside of Europe. The proposed Super Cup revamp could act as a prelude to such a move and would tie in with a hugely improved broadcasting contract in the States.
UEFA's new US deal represents a 150 per cent increase on its existing contract and now appears to be a catalyst for a more aggressive expansion across the pond. Other sports have successfully taken matches into new markets, such as the NFL playing regular-season games in London.
Further discussions are set to take place at the European Club Association's General Assembly in Istanbul on Thursday and Friday, with the organisation keen to foster a spirit of innovation. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has been invited to speak at the event about how that sport is trying to attract new fans and widen interest. ECA chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi is expected to issue a warning to clubs about dangerous debt levels in the context of rising interest rates around the continent
Further talks will also take place over a new financial distribution model for the new-look European tournaments post-2024. Smaller clubs will be seeking a greater share, while those at the top will also want more, arguing they drive the interest and therefore the revenue.
