G14 examines breakaway if UEFA follows Platini plan

The G14 group of clubs is rattling its saber, threatening a new super league if UEFA president Michel Platini does not back off his Champions League reforms ideas.

Though G14 general secretary Thomas Kurth called a break a worst-case situation, the league recently had a high-session meeting and a decision was made to hire consultants to research the price of starting a new breakaway league. It is especially relevant as the 18 members of the G14 are looking at increasing membership to 40 clubs.

Platini wants more league winners from smaller nations to join the tournament during the group phase. He would like the national cup winners from 16 countries to enter a qualifying phase for four Champions League positions.

National associations from England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain have asked the plan be put on hold for the time being.

"The changes proposed by Michel Platini would weaken the quality of the Champions League," Kurth said. "If they do this we cannot sit there and do nothing. We have to look into alternatives."

Platini is considering delaying the national cup idea for at least two seasons, But he is not bending on adding smaller nations to the mix.

"The only thing he said he would not compromise on was the presence of champions from the mid-sized countries," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.