UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE -
HIGH CLASS ENTERTAINMENT
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
Following the draw in Geneva on July 20, and the finalizing of the
fixture list for the group matches in the UEFA Champions League, it is
now possible to gain a clearer idea of this season's competition and
its new format. It is perhaps worthwile to recall the history of the UEFA
Champions League. The foundations for the competition were laid in
1991-92, when the knock-out system in the European Champion
Clubs' Cup was replaced after the two first rounds by a system
involving two groups of four teams each. Teams in each group played
home and away matches against their rivals, with the group winners
qualifying for the final. The format remained unchanged for the
following season - but the general concept for the group matches was
modified. These group matches became the UEFA Champions
League, and UEFA was responsible for both sporting and financial
administration, while at the same time negotiating advertising and
television rights itself. The 1993-94 season saw the introduction of
semi-finals after the group matches. This bring us to the present
season - and a host of even more Important innovations. Group
matches will be taking place from the start of the competition
onwards, and the knock-out format will begin at the quarter-final
stage.
These basic changes will no doubt increase the appeal of the UEFA
Champions League, especially as there are double number of teams
taking part. The new format will also satisfy those who felt that the
seeding system had brought an end to the prospect of exciting
matches between major clubs in the early stages.
As regards the fixture list established by the draw in July, the new
format guarantees that the top clubs in Europe will be pitted against
each other from the opening of the competition. AC Milan against Ajax
Amsterdam; Benfica against Anderlecht; Barcelona against
Manchester United finals in all but name. It is true that these
matches will not involve the excitement of the knock-out system.
Nevertheless, they will be of great interest, with the seeded teams in
each group facing a stern challenge from the top-notch rivals, and a
place in the quarter-finals is at stake.
The new UEFA Champions League will offer high-class football
throughout the season - and this should certainly ensure the
popularity and success of the event.
