By Marta Elena Casanova
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In recent days, the future of the Champions League and UEFA’s control over European football have returned to the spotlight. At the heart of the debate is UEFA’s plan to significantly increase revenues starting in 2027 — an ambition that could once again reshape the continent’s football economy. Behind the figures, however, lies a widening gap between Europe’s wealthiest clubs and the mid- to lower-tier teams that fear the new structure will deepen existing inequalities.
UEFA and Relevent Sports: chasing the €6 billion goal
During the 2024–2027 cycle, European competitions — the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League — are generating around €4.4 billion per season. UEFA’s goal for 2027–2030 is to exceed €6 billion through a partnership with American agency Relevent Sports. The plan involves tighter control of broadcasting rights, more aggressive global marketing, and worldwide distribution of commercial packages. The ambition is to strengthen UEFA’s position against major national leagues and global markets like the U.S. and Asia. Yet the risk remains that domestic leagues could lose value, as broadcasters and sponsors increasingly focus on the “Champions product.”
Super League and Unify League: the lure of a new format
Although the original Super League seems like a thing of the past, A22 — the company behind the project — continues to push for a revamped version, the “Unify League.” The proposal includes 36 clubs split into two groups of 18, with matches played only within each group and qualification based on UEFA rankings. The concept is designed to boost high-profile matchups and, consequently, commercial revenues.
UEFA has firmly denied any negotiations or plans to alter the current system. The 2027–2030 cycle will maintain the same format — a single 36-team league phase introduced in 2024. The European Parliament has also backed UEFA’s position, passing a resolution defending Europe’s sports model based on merit, equity, and solidarity. In short: no closed or exclusive competitions for elite clubs.
An overcrowded football calendar
Another key concern is the congested international calendar. Starting in 2024–25, European tournaments will include more matches during the league phase and additional playoff rounds before the round of 16. Add to that FIFA’s new Club World Cup in 2025, and scheduling conflicts are inevitable.
To create room, FIFA and UEFA are pressuring national leagues to reduce the number of teams from 20 to 18. Many clubs and federations oppose this, pointing to the French Ligue 1 example: after downsizing, domestic TV revenues collapsed, hurting smaller clubs. Serie A has already taken a firm stance — no reduction, even if it means clashing with international authorities.
Revenues and inequality
The main issue remains how UEFA’s revenues are distributed. Mid-tier clubs are calling for an increase in solidarity payments, which currently represent just 10.6% of total income. The disparity is massive: in 2024–25, Napoli, who did not compete in Europe, received only €800,000, while Inter earned over €115 million from the Champions League. This gap threatens to undermine national league balance, as regular European participants gain an almost unbridgeable advantage.
Several domestic leagues propose adjusting the system to account for each country’s economic contribution and reward clubs that invest more in youth development and local football infrastructure.
Political divide: ECA vs UEC
The institutional struggle is now between two factions. On one side stands the ECA (European Club Association), officially recognized by UEFA and led by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The ECA has expanded rapidly, from 276 clubs in 2023 to over 800 in 2025, including 29 from Italy. Yet decision-making power remains concentrated in the hands of roughly 20–25 elite clubs.
On the other side is the UEC, a new association promoted by Spain’s LaLiga and Javier Tebas to give smaller clubs a voice in European football governance. UEFA, however, refuses to recognize the group, and the ECA has warned member clubs against any involvement.
The risk of a two-speed football
European football increasingly looks divided into two worlds: global powerhouses chasing ever-greater profits, and smaller clubs fighting for survival. UEFA’s vision of a richer, more international Champions League could end up creating a less balanced and less competitive sport.
While modern football cannot ignore market dynamics and broadcasting revenue, without economic and merit-based fairness it risks becoming a showcase for a privileged few. The battle for the future of the Champions League has just begun — and the gap between Europe’s elite and the rest has never been wider.
By Marta Elena Casanova
