The days of Celtic involvement in European football’s premier competition may be numbered if new findings are to be believed. The New York Times has obtained documents outlining a new plan for European competition, and it makes for grim reading.
The plans suggest that the Champions League will soon become a tournament “dominated by a small group of elite clubs”. The 32 team competition could have as few as four places available to clubs like Celtic.
Starting in 2024, the new tournament would allow the top 24 teams from the 32 team tournament to qualify for the next season’s event, no matter their domestic league position.
UEFA is planning to change the Champions League format to four groups of eight. The group stage would see as many as 14 matches, creating more meetings between Europe’s elite. Some games may be played on weekends traditionally set up for domestic matches.
Champions from lower ranked countries like Celtic would be assigned to a new second or even third-tier competition.
Every cloud
While this news may seem like a hammer blow to Celtic’s chances all may not be lost. If the cream of the crop from Europe’s top leagues do join a new competition then it may be best if Celtic aren’t involved.
Our level at the moment is against like-minded teams from similar sized countries. We should be looking to compete with the likes of Anderlecht and Salzburg as we have done in recent years.
A new second or even third tier competition would undoubtedly be Celtic’s level. It would contain clubs of a similar stature not controlled by TV money or UEFA funding.
Time will tell how this story develops, but Celtic shouldn’t lose all hope if they plans do come to fruition. It may be for the best.
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