Seven English clubs could soon qualify for the lucrative Champions League if UEFA decide to ditch the Europa League.
UEFA president Michel Platini admitted talks were on-going about the future of the European competitions amid reports Europe's top clubs were considering launching their own tournament.
Asked about possible plans to extend the elite Champions League at the expense of the second-tier Europa League by the French newspaper Ouest-France, Platini said: 'There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018.
'We're discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet.'
One of the options being looked at is the possibility of extending the final phase of the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams, which could allow up to seven English clubs to take part.
The Europa League generates far lower revenue for clubs than the Champions League and has been criticised since it evolved from the UEFA Cup in 2009.
Platini said that he was not worried by reports Europe's richest clubs were planning a competition to rival the Champions League.
'It's a question that is regularly brought up,' he said.
'It doesn't worry me. I can't see how it could work outside the UEFA framework.
'Who will referee them? In what stadiums will they play? A lot of people want them? I don't think so.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2239570/Champions-League-UEFA-consider-64-team-plan-scrapping-Europa-League.html
Something I've suggested myself a few times. If you don't have a champions only tournament, just have one European Cup instead.
UEFA president Michel Platini admitted talks were on-going about the future of the European competitions amid reports Europe's top clubs were considering launching their own tournament.
Asked about possible plans to extend the elite Champions League at the expense of the second-tier Europa League by the French newspaper Ouest-France, Platini said: 'There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018.
'We're discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet.'
One of the options being looked at is the possibility of extending the final phase of the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams, which could allow up to seven English clubs to take part.
The Europa League generates far lower revenue for clubs than the Champions League and has been criticised since it evolved from the UEFA Cup in 2009.
Platini said that he was not worried by reports Europe's richest clubs were planning a competition to rival the Champions League.
'It's a question that is regularly brought up,' he said.
'It doesn't worry me. I can't see how it could work outside the UEFA framework.
'Who will referee them? In what stadiums will they play? A lot of people want them? I don't think so.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2239570/Champions-League-UEFA-consider-64-team-plan-scrapping-Europa-League.html
Something I've suggested myself a few times. If you don't have a champions only tournament, just have one European Cup instead.