UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin recently delved into the current state of soccer. He focused on two key aspects: the emerging Saudi Arabian league and the impending Champions League season.
Aleksander Ceferin decisively addressed persistent rumors suggesting that Saudi Pro League teams might participate in the UEFA Champions League in the near future. He unequivocally put these rumors to rest, stating, “Saudi clubs will never play in the Champions League or any other European competition.”
Corruption in the UEFA is the reason why all the relevant players are leaving Europe to join ronaldo in saudi.
— 𝐍𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐌. 👑 (@Nawas_masood) August 31, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo’s supporters are disheartened by this news. Ronaldo’s team, Al Nassr, valued at $221 million, will now exclusively participate in the upcoming AFC Champions League. Comments like “he’s scared of Ronaldo” and “Corruption in the UEFA is the reason why all the relevant players are leaving Europe to join Ronaldo in Saudi,” took the spotlight as Ronaldo fans displayed their anger.
Ceferin also commented on the matter of potentially hosting a Champions League final in the United States. He maintained a clear stance. He pointed out, “Only European federations can apply [to host] a final, not even clubs. We would have to change all our rules, and we don’t want that.”
Earlier this year, Ceferin drew parallels between the Saudi League and the Chinese Super League due to their substantial activity in the transfer market. Regarding the perceived threat of the Saudi League to European soccer, he explained, “It’s not a threat. We saw a similar approach in China. They signed players at the end of their careers by offering substantial sums of money.”
Ceferin further noted, “Chinese football didn’t progress and failed to qualify for the World Cup afterward. That’s not the right approach. They should focus on developing players and coaches, but that’s not within my purview.”
Can Saudi Pro League clubs play in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025?
The recent statement from UEFA’s president has effectively dispelled any lingering doubts regarding the Saudi Pro League’s participation in the prestigious Champions League. With this matter resolved, fans have now turned their attention to another looming question. Whether Saudi clubs can contend with the European giants in the newly announced 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
FIFA has recently unveiled plans for an exciting new club tournament, featuring an expanded 32-team format, set to be held every four years. The United States has been selected as the host for the inaugural edition.
BREAKING: The US will host the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, FIFA confirm. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/A0qUatdIDc
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 23, 2023
According to the tournament’s regulations, a total of 12 slots have been allocated to UEFA, representing Europe. Six slots have been designated for CONMEBOL, signifying South America. Furthermore, four slots are reserved for Concacaf, covering North and Central America. Another four slots for AFC, representing Asia. The remaining five slots are distributed between CAF, representing Africa, and OFC, representing Oceania.
Crucially, the Saudi Pro League falls within the AFC category. The four slots allotted to the AFC will be determined by the winners of the AFC Champions League between 2021 and 2024. Therefore, any Saudi Pro League teams that secure victory in the AFC Champions League during this period will earn the privilege of participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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