Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Welcomes Landmark Court Ruling
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that the recent court ruling in Europe will have a significant impact on UEFA and prevent them from adding more matches to the calendar without any opposition. The European Court of Justice declared that UEFA’s rules, which blocked the formation of the European Super League in 2021, were against EU law.
Victory for Backers of the Super League
The ruling led to the backers of the Super League claiming victory and announcing plans for new men’s and women’s competitions.
Klopp’s Perspective
While Klopp agreed with Liverpool’s statement that their interest in the Super League had been discontinued, he was more interested in the court ruling’s implications. He emphasized the importance of governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA operating with transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate rules.
“I like that we now understand that people in UEFA and other FAs cannot simply do as they please by introducing competitions with more games without anyone having a real say in it,” Klopp stated during a press conference.
Changes to the Champions League
Starting next season, the Champions League will feature eight games instead of six in a new 36-team league phase. Additionally, there will be a two-leg play-off for 16 teams competing for the final eight berths in the first knockout round. UEFA claims that this new format was extensively discussed with various stakeholders, including Liverpool as a member of the European Club Association, leagues, national football associations, and players’ unions.