Saudi Arabia Eyes ‘Wildcard’ Entry Into UEFA Champions League: Reports
Saudi Arabia wants the winner of its Pro League to enter into the UEFA Champions League competition, according to media reports.
Sparked by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in January the Saudi Pro League has seen a transformational change in profile, with many of the biggest names in world football arriving to play in the Kingdom.
According to Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Saudi football bosses want to raise the profile even further by competing in the UEFA Champions League.
Saudi eyes Champions League wildcard
It said Saudi football bosses are planning to propose to UEFA, the governing body of European football and the organisers of the prestigious Champions League, that the winner of the Saudi Pro League is granted entry into the elite European football competition.
Along with Cristiano Ronaldo there are many former Champions League winners playing in the Saudi Pro League.
Stars including Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez have all lifted the trophy, as well as Al Ettifaq manager and former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard.
Although the competition has been limited to teams playing in Europe or who are members of UEFA the Corriere dello Sport report claims football authorities in the Kingdom are set to propose a “wildcard” entry into the league.
With the Champions League set to undergo a major change in format next year, a loophole entry is possible.
The 2024-2025 Champions League season will see the contest expand from 32 teams to 36, with more teams being allowed to enter.
Precise rulings on what will be expected to gain entry into the biggest international club football competition next year, and football insiders are hopeful the Kingdom’s profile and potential could be raised even higher.
