UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has criticised plans drawn up by some European clubs to form a ‘Super League’ competition.

The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as a number of other top teams, were planning to form a new tournament, backed by FIFA, which would rival the Champions League. However, Ceferin thinks the inclusivity of UEFA’s competition will win out, even if there are changes to the format in 2024:

“It’s an idea, a wish, of those who don’t care about the rest of football. Those who care about today’s football but not tomorrow’s. In any case the format will remain the same until 2024. That’s when the rights have been sold up to. We are talking about not playing at the weekend because we want to keep the value of national leagues. But we are talking about a slightly different, more interesting system that includes absolutely everyone. The dream of playing in the Champions League will be as realistic as it is now.”

Ceferin’s comments will certainly assure the likes of Celtic and Rangers who are unlikely to be included in any plans for a ‘Super League.’ Being barred from Europe’s premier competition would have been a hammer blow to the Hoops’ finances, with questions about the club’s sustainability going forward.

However, it appears the likes of Liverpool and United have rowed back from their previous plans, and Ceferin also says that Barcelona’s new president (whoever that may be) will not be backing a Super League, despite previous president Jose Maria Bartomeu having said they had already signed up. The future of the Champions League does look more secure for now.