welcome to the opening of the
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
U E FA
CHAMPIONS
Once again, the flagship competition of
the European Football Union has under
gone important changes, as part of our
efforts to boost the attractiveness of the
event for both the clubs and the many mil
lions of spectators who will be watching the
matches - on television and in the stadia.
The key innovation is the increase in the
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE field to 16
teams. The holders of the European
Champion Clubs' Cup and the seven best-
placed champion clubs in the UEFA ranking
list have now been joined by the eight win
ners of preliminary-round matches played in
August. These 16 clubs have been divided
into four groups of four teams each, and
the group competition will be played until
December. Quarter-finals and semi-finals
will be played using the knock-out system
early next year, with the final prize a place in
the Champion Ciubs'Cup final next May.
The draw ceremony for the group
matches took place in July, which means
that the mixture list in each of the four
groups is known. All of the 16 clubs have
earned their place in the UEFA CHAM
PIONS LEAGUE on merit, and there is
plenty of excitement in store for followers of
the European game.
Let us also hope that the 16 teams -
players, officials and supporters - approach
the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches
with the right attitude. Memorable matches,
played in a sportsmanlike manner and with
positive attacking football, will help to con
solidate the success that this competition
has enjoyed since it was launched in 1992.
On behalf of the European Football
Union, I would like to wish the teams taking
part all the very best. Thanks are also due
to our commercial and broadcasting part
ners for their support and cooperation, as
well as to all the media representatives
covering the matches throughout Europe -
and I hope the fans watching the action will
enjoy the excitement and entertainment on
offer in the new-style UEFA CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE.
Lennart Johansson
President of UEFA