Louis van Gaal criticizes UEFA Champions League format

Former Dutch manager Louis van Gaal has issued a sharp critique of UEFA's new Champions League format, labeling the footballing world “corrupt.” The 75-year-old coach argued that the organization is prioritizing financial gain over the quality of the sport.

Van Gaal expressed concern that the expansion from 32 to 36 teams and the increase in matches per team from six to eight have widened the gap in skill levels between clubs. He noted that this disparity leads to more lopsided scores and a decline in overall match quality. Furthermore, he linked the congested fixture calendar to an increased risk of player injuries.

Drawing a comparison to ice hockey, Van Gaal suggested a tiered system—such as an 'A-league' and 'B-league'—to ensure more competitive matches. He stated that while UEFA utilizes the Europa League and Conference League, these do not resolve the quality issues within the Champions League itself. He noted that he had voiced similar concerns to UEFA twenty years ago, but his warnings were ignored.