Arsenal’s managing director Vinai Venkatesham has slammed the proposed changes to UEFA’s continental competitions.
Widespread reports indicate that Europe’s governing body, along with members of the European Club Association (ECA), are keen on altering the landscape of the Champions League and Europa League.
The controversial changes, which include promotion and relegation along with assurances that the top clubs would retain their spot regardless of their domestic finish, could benefit Arsenal - particularly if their absence from the Champions League continues.
However, Venkatesham is concerned about how the changes would impact the Premier League - which he highlights as the most importance competition for the club.
“We play in the world’s number one league and the world’s number one sport. If there are changes to European football that could damage that position and weaken the Premier League; obviously that’s concerning to us,” he told the Financial Times .
“The Premier League is the thing that really draws the commercial partners in. Of course, all our commercial partners want us to be in the Champions League as well, but I think that the Premier League piece is just as, if not more, important than that.”
However, Venkatesham also reiterated the club’s desire to return to the Champions League - which can be secured next week by beating Chelsea in the Europa League final.
“Arsenal is clearly a top European club so we want to be playing in the top European competition.
“It’s important to our fans, it’s important to our current players. It’s also important to the types of players that we want and need to attract to the club and it’s also really important to maximise our revenues so that we can invest on the football side against our ambition.”
Keep up to date with the latest Arsenal news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Click here to enroll or text NEWS to 07557204612 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as arsenal dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Layth Yousif and the team on Arsenal.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
