No plans to let Saudi Arabian clubs into Champions League, insists ECA chair

* Nasser al-Khelaifi ‘does not see’ Pro League sides in competition * European clubs not threatened by Saudi spending, adds Khelaifi The European Club Association chairman, Nasser al-Khelaifi, has poured cold water on the notion that Saudi Arabian sides are on course to be granted spots in the revamped Champions League. The rapid growth and formidable spending power of the Saudi Pro League have brought suggestions that a place for its champions will be sought in Europe’s leading competition, which will expand next season to a new “Swiss system” of 36 clubs. Executives from its leading sides are reportedly keen to test the proposition but the influential Khelaifi, who is also the president of Paris Saint-Germain, emphasised no such move is on the horizon. Khelaifi did, however, leave the door open for stand-alone showpieces, with the Uefa Super Cup an obvious candidate, to take place in the gulf state. Continue reading...

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