UEFA denies reports of Saudi clubs playing in the Champions League
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has assessed the likelihood of the champion of Saudi Arabia playing in the Champions League. It is reported by Foot Mercato.
UEFA denied the information that appeared in the media. They stated that they did not negotiate, as such an initiative could jeopardize relations with the Asian Confederation. It is noted that the idea was not liked by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who had previously criticized Saudi Arabia’s strategy for buying European footballers.
On August 17, Corriere dello Sport reported that the Saudi Arabian Football Federation may apply to UEFA with a request to provide the national champion with a wild card to participate in the Champions League. It was noted that this could happen in the 2024/2025 season.
Over the past year, several titled European footballers have joined the Saudi clubs. On December 30, 2022, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nasr. Brazilian striker Neymar made a transfer to Al-Hilal on August 15, 2023. Also in the Saudi championship are the French Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante.
Source: Lenta
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