A new twist in the future of Europe's premier club soccer competition is that it could soon be played outside Europe.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has left the door open for Champions League matches to be played in the United States, including the final.
It should be remembered that this year's final of the top continental competition will be played in Istanbul, in 2024 in London and in 2025 in Munich. No venue has yet been chosen for the 2026 edition.
Ceferin has given an interview to 'Men in Blazers' and discussed the future of the competition. He sees the North American market as one that UEFA can do more to exploit.
"It is possible. We started to discuss about that, but then one year it is World Cup, 2024 is Euro," said Ceferin.
"This year [the final] is Istanbul, '24 in London, '25 in Munich. And after that let's see. It's possible, it's possible."
What is certain is that this opens a window to a situation that seemed impossible.
There was even talk a year ago of creating a new competition, in the form of a new Super Cup between four teams to be played in the United States, but the possibility of playing a Champions League match or even the final on American soil has never been so close.
Big in the USA
The audiences in the US are encouraging and show soccer's popularity, hence Ceferin's interest.
"Americans are willing to pay this amount [gestures] for the best and nothing for the less. So they will follow European football as basketball lovers in Europe follow NBA," said Ceferin.
"It's a very important promising market for the future. The thing is that we are selling rights very well.
"Sponsorship is so-so for now from the US, but here commercialisation is completely different than in Europe. They are much more talented for that than us.
"What shocked me actually is that our Euro [2020] finals, Europe national team finals, was watched by more people in United States than NBA Finals.
"What shocked me is that 30 matches of the Euros, every match viewership was a Super Bowl viewership. So I think we are doing well."
DUTCH8UKBLUE
0
IT IS FOOTBALL! NOT soccer! Why should Europeans have to fly all the way to America!?
fuweiklops
0
good) (shhhhh
martin_bhengu
0
Than they should just rename it from Uefa Champions League to something else. This dude must know that some thing are better off unchanged
satalrtuyz
1
bring it to Africa and you will regret it
maturidikxith
1
clown🤡
chepatrice
0
so he was shocked twice 😅
rabdoprz
1
please bring it Eyimba city aba
zimbabimba
0
UEFA was never before in do ill state like now. They brought Platini down but he was managing way way better the association. Unfortunately this moves will only empower the Super League
Pazesyz
2
bring it over in Nigeria in agege stadium
Sexymore147
1
Hypocrites everywhere….Spanish Super Cup Is Been Played In Asian no one talked
Coolluck26
0
why not play in the moon
hepcekmpst
0
Play in togo
Lisiknopsz
0
Then take it to Messi's Argentina that's all we know you want to do
pumckmpsyz
1
Bring it to africa as well
Lekelmsuz
0
it should also be played in Africa.
Yawabdikt
2
which mean is not uefa champions league bcos America is not part of Europe, if that be the case u can also play the final in Pakistan aswell.
SagarEwa
0
Why america come to India in kolkatta in salt lake or kerala you will not be disappointed and increase the tickets triple fold or whatever you want in a blink of an eye tickets will be sold out...
BRO,THIS NIGHA IS TALKING BOUT FOOTBALL, BRING THE ( VAR ) SYSTEM AT FIRST
cliff5mtilizinyimba
2
That's sounds political, it's Uefa meaning European teams but why go play it In USA?? why don't USA team enjoy their own champions League??
Metadiot
1
play in Melbourne MCG would be good
adigunmuru
1
Rose Bowl Stadium.....
ManUnited-Red
1
Would be good 🌎
Ribaclnst
0
Why america come to India in kolkatta in salt lake or kerala you will not be disappointed and increase the tickets triple fold or whatever you want in a blink of an eye tickets will be sold out...
Pekbdmpst
0
Play in Florida
mikimus
0
why force footbal to soccer fans
AndroG
1
also president also give his ass to usa
AndroG
0
Money can do everything
AngelBluebest
0
soccer less go
Huocklmz
1
play in singapore UCL
CallmeCJ
1
They don't even call it football.
Stickle
1
USA is trash! Those yanks don't deserve a Champions League final.
nebbiklorz
2
Why not Sell your soul in the Deal ?
Mooikmot
1
bring it on but its FOOTBALL NOT SOCCER