Earlier this morning, Michel Platini was asked about the potential that UEFA may get rid of the Europa League all together, in favor of a larger Champions League tournament. Platini has been stingy when it comes to changing football, so to hear him offer this up without any evocation is quite surprising. Especially, on a matter that has had little to no controversy in years past. Controversy is usually brought forth when the fans aren't happy with something, but nobody seems to hate the Europa League or think it a waste of space so it is rather peculiar that Platini has this on his mind. Although no one has complained about it, is doing away with Europa League really that bad of an idea?
The matter certainly has its positives and negatives. A few favorable aspects to this plan are that the viewing of the Champions League would increase. It's simple, more squads in more matches means more viewers and subsequently, more money. It may also raise the prestige of the competition. While it may seem a bit ridiculous to raise the standards of the already honorable Champions League, an extra 8 teams would certainly make winning the Champions League no fluke. What happened with Chelsea last spring was incredible, but were they the best team? I do not think so. Adding these extra teams would make the competition even that much more difficult to succeed in. Perhaps maybe the second or third best team might have a decent shot at the title as well, but surely, with more competition the better teams would be pit against each other more and more.
A huge downfall to the addition of more clubs to the competition is that a "Group of Death" would be less likely and the fierceness of the group play might decrease a bit. Even though I have had to suffer through elimination at the "Group of Death" the past two years with Manchester City, I would be disappointed to see matches with the intensity of those groups be forgotten. It would also be sad to see the fight to be in the top 4 of the Premier League drop down to the sixth spot, for example. While even claiming that spot is no simple task, I think it is too easy for it to get that club an invitation to the Champions League.
I think it will be very interesting to see how the situation plays out and if there are any further developments in the coming weeks. Regardless of how the conversation shifts, I think that if we do see a change it will not be implemented until at least the World Cup has passed. But who knows? Leave a comment saying what you think!
