Agnelli admits 3rd European competition will have 'little commercial value'

European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli suggested a third continental competition is in the works just to appease smaller clubs, rather than to yield significant commercial benefits.

Agnelli, who is also chairman of Juventus, revealed earlier in September that the "green light" had been given for another competition under UEFA's umbrella. That would allow 32 teams apiece for the Champions League, the Europa League, and the latest cup tournament.

"It's difficult to see commercial value when you look at a third-tier competition because there is very little commercial value, but sometimes we have to listen to our fellow club members who want to participate more," Agnelli said at Monday's World Football Summit in Madrid, Spain, as reported by Tales Azzoni of the Associated Press.

"The fact that they are participating in international games would allow them to grow and showcase their players going forward."

The initial plan was to expand the Europa League from 48 teams to 64, but there were fears that would further shunt the competition under the Champions League's shadow. So, to ensure the Europa League doesn't lose any of its commercial might, the solution was to spread 96 clubs evenly between three competitions.

There are also further plans to revise the international calendar to ensure there is sufficient vacation time for players. Agnelli wants to limit the maximum number of games for clubs to 43 per season; Champions League winner Real Madrid played 64 competitive matches in the 2017-18 campaign.