Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, has denied rumors that Saudi Arabian teams may soon be permitted to compete in the Champions League.
The president of the organisation that governs European football told the daily L’Equipe that only European clubs are eligible to compete in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference league.
This occurs before Thursday’s Champions League group stage draw.
Ceferin doesn’t view Saudi Arabia as a danger to European football, despite the Saudi league’s recent success in attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sadio Mane.
“China, who purchased players towards the conclusion of their careers and promised them a lot of money, put us in a similar scenario.
After then, Chinese football “didn’t develop,” according to Ceferin.
“As far as I know, (Manchester City striker Erling) Haaland and (Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian) Mbappe are not dreaming about Saudi Arabia,” he added.
According to Ceferin, Saudi Arabia’s strategy “is not the right way.”
According to him, the Saudi League “should work on the education of players and coaches, but that’s not my problem.”
