Sports

UEFA: Saudi clubs won’t play in Champions League

European football governing body, UEFA, has dismissed reports that clubs from Saudi Arabia would be allowed to play in the Champions League in the future.

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, made this known on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

“Only European clubs can participate in the Champions League, the Europa League or the Conference league,” Ceferin said.

This is coming ahead of the Champions League group stage draw on Thursday.

In spite the strong financial growth of the Saudi league, which attracted the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sadio Mane recently, Ceferin said he doesn’t see the country as a threat to European football.

READ ALSO: Bonmati, Carmona, Kerr shortlisted for UEFA women’s player of the year

He added: “We had a similar situation with China, which bought players at the end of their careers and offered them a lot of money.

“The result was that Chinese football didn’t develop after that.

“As far as I know, (Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian) Mbappe and (Manchester City striker Erling) Haaland are not dreaming about Saudi Arabia.”

Ceferin said the approach used by Saudi Arabia “is not the right way”, adding that the Saudi league “should work on the education of players and coaches, but that’s not my problem.”

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Man kills mother over Osun family farm dispute

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, Taye Kasali, over the alleged murder…

2 hours ago

NELFUND breaking poverty barrier in education — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, is helping to…

2 hours ago

NCC begins device registration to curb illegal telecom imports

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has launched a nationwide registration and authentication system for SIM-enabled…

3 hours ago

Gas truck crash forces emergency diversion on Ilorin road

Motorists in Ilorin, Kwara State, have been advised to avoid a section of Ibrahim Taiwo…

3 hours ago

Canada lets eligible work permit holders study without permit

Canada has introduced a temporary policy allowing certain foreign workers already in the country to…

3 hours ago

Four suits challenging Yayi’s 2027 Ogun governorship bid withdrawn

Four legal actions challenging the 2027 governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress candidate in…

4 hours ago

This website uses cookies.