Chelsea boss Frank Lampard begs Uefa not to wreck the Champions League with ring-fenced elite
FRANK LAMPARD has pleaded with Uefa not to wreck the Champions League.
Chelsea boss Lampard, a Champions League winner in 2012, told 200 club representatives at a meeting of the European Leagues group in London that changes proposed by Juventus President Andrea Agnelli risked devaluing the competition.
Juve want a ring-fenced elite playing more games but Lampard said: “We felt we were playing in the ultimate club competition, beating the best teams from each league.
“Those teams deserved to be there. You’re playing against the best and for me that is the beauty of it.”
Prem clubs have already suggested that the proposed expansion from 2024 would threaten the future of the League Cup.
Lampard agreed: “I have a soft spot for the League Cup. It was the first competition I ever won.
“I don’t believe you can fit more games in among our busy schedule and keep the quality level and freshness.
“There would have to be discussion about how it would work. At the minute I think the level is about right. I like the current format.”
Lampard’s comments were part of the discussions over the future shape of European competitions involving clubs from 30 countries.
Prem clubs have adopted a united stance against the plans so far and interim chief exec Richard Masters said: “It’s important to recognise change would affect everyone.
“We want to work closely to help shape reforms that enhance the balance of domestic football and Uefa competitions.”
Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti came under some fire for appearing to be backing some of the proposals put forward by Agnelli and the European Clubs Association.
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Agnelli wants four groups of eight clubs in the initial stage of the Champions League and 21 matches to win the competition, insisting “Everyone wants more games.”
But Alfonso Nunez of Spanish side Alaves, insisted: “We do not want more games if that impacts on our domestic league, which will then lose value.”
Other speakers included Kevin Miles of the Football Supporters Federation who voiced his concerns that the fans will suffer from any expansion.
European League chief Lars Christer Olsson added: “The views of the fans was a good summary of how we see developments.
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“It was important that Uefa agrees we need to ensure future competitions are open and not closed.
“There are problems that need to be addressed but the starting point has to be football, not revenues.
“Football is, first and foremost, a sport and that must be the starting point when discussing any changes or developments in the current system.”