MESSAGE w™
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF UEFA
ll,r^n«/NP CHAMPIONS
Welcome to the opening UEFA
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE group matches
for the 1994-95 season.
Once again, the flagship competition of
the European Football Union has
undergone important changes, as part
of our efforts to boost the attractiveness
of the event for both the clubs and the
many millions 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 winners 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 Clubs'
Cup final next May.
The draw ceremony for the group
matches took place in July, which
means that the fixture list in each of the
four groups is known. All of the 16 clubs
have earned their place in the UEFA
CHAMPIONS 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 CHAMPION
LEAGUE matches with the right attitude.
Memorable matches, played in a
sportsmanlike manner and with positive
attacking football, will help to
consolidate 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 ate
also due to our commercial and
broadcasting partners 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
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