This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Published on September 16, 2019, the Champions League has become the be-all and end-all for top European clubs, with the likes of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich dominating the competition.
However, a change is coming, with the European Club Association working with UEFA to revamp the competition from 2024. The current 32-team group stage format has been in place since 2003, with the last 15 champions coming from Spain, England, Germany, or Italy.
"We are confident of finding a good format for after 2024 that includes of course the big clubs, mid-size countries, and also a possibility for smaller countries with history to find their place in the European football scene," said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar.
For now, the Champions League winners stand to take home around 75 million euros, with additional sums from television and Uefa ranking. The financial strength of the Premier League's top clubs means they are less eager for change, which explains why all four European finalists last season were English.
Can Liverpool reach a third straight final? This season's showpiece will be played in Istanbul, scene of their remarkable triumph in 2005. "We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating," insisted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
