PARIS — Europe’s top clubs and leagues have been invited to meet with UEFA after weeks of public barbs about Champions League reforms.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has called a Sept. 11 meeting in a letter to European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli and European Leagues leader Lars-Christer Olsson.
In the letter seen by The Associated Press, Ceferin says it’s time for a "direct exchange of views between our organizations."
The leagues have denounced an ECA proposal to let 24 of the 32 Champions League group-stage clubs retain their places year-to-year from 2024. The clubs also want more to create eight-team groups, which would lead to more games.
European Leagues say this would drain interest and commercial value from their member competitions, and widen a wealth gap favouring storied rich clubs.
Ceferin says the reform discussion is "an unprecedented long process" and asks for their co-operation.
The letter was sent one day before the ECA hosts members for an urgent meeting in Malta.
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