A team from Saudi Arabia will participate in the Champions League from next season, Spanish publication Marca reports on Thursday as an official confirmation from UEFA is awaited.
“Serious negotiations are underway between the European football federation and the Saudi Arabian Football Association. Everything is final and a Saudi club will play in the Champions League. It will have a permanent place, not just for one season,” writes Marca.
For now, it is not clear what is the regulation by which the country will send its representation in the tournament. This will probably be Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
🚨 UEFA are reportedly considering inviting Saudi club Al-Nassr to the 2024/2025 edition of the Champions League, as it’s considered one of the “3 most popular clubs” in the world.
(Source: @alharbi_44) pic.twitter.com/nlzmyaOp99
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Next season, 36 teams will play in the Champions League under a new system in a total of 10 rounds in the group stage. Each team will play five away games and five home games against different opponents.
4 new places open up and this gives UEFA the opportunity to invite a team from Saudi Arabia.