The Saudi Arabian Football Association has submitted a proposal to UEFA for the inclusion of Saudi Pro League clubs to participate in the Champions League.
According to Corriere dello Sport (Italy), the organizers of the Saudi Arabian National League proposed the idea of bringing these country’s clubs to the UEFA Champions League. From the 2024/25 season, the top level tournament for European clubs will change in format and expand the number of participating teams. Therefore, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation hopes to be able to convince the European Football Federation (UEFA) to give them special slots.
Since Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, the wave of international football stars coming to Saudi Arabia is becoming a new trend in world football. Not only those who have passed their peak, but also a series of players who are at their best age also choose to join these national teams.
As the quality and reputation increased, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said that they needed a tournament so that their clubs had the opportunity to try out opponents from Europe. And being in the Champions League is the fastest way. As in the past summer, clubs in Saudi Arabia also attended the Arab Cup – the tournament where superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr club won the championship after overcoming other formidable opponents. However, the Champions League arena is the target that Saudi Arabia is extremely hungry for.
The above idea is inspired by the Qatar team for the period 2019-2022. In the process of preparing for the 2022 World Cup, the Qatar team has competed in 3 other continental tournaments outside of Asia including Copa America (South America), Gold Cup (North Central America & Caribbean) and European World Cup qualifiers. . There is information that Qatar must pay to compete in these tournaments as guests. But even if it costs money to attend, the Saudi side does not hesitate.
If Saudi Arabia’s plan is successful, top clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr or Al-Ittihad can fully participate in the Champions League from the 2024/25 season. At that time, a series of stars like Ronaldo, Neymar or Benzema will again enjoy the atmosphere of the most attractive club tournament in the world. In the opposite direction, UEFA will have more revenue and while the tournament increases competition, there will be a few teams that have to accept the loss of seats.