Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli warns “we’re simply protecting a system which is no longer there” if his plans for European reform are thrown out.
Agnelli is keen to see the Champions League and Europa League replaced with a pyramid model that consists of more group fixtures and opportunities for internal promotion and relegation.
According to the 43-year-old, in his role as President of the European Club Association (ECA), his proposals would benefit the many and not the few.
“It’s right that if you perform in the international system, you stay in the international system,” he said at the Leaders Sports Business Summit in London.
“It would be great for clubs like Ajax, Celtic, [Legia] Warsaw knowing they can stay in Europe and not have to qualify via domestic system.
“What’s important is creating a system where clubs can grow within a system and not just be relegated.
“We are not in politics – we do not have a government and an opposition, we are all on the same side.
“If we don’t think about a progressive system we are simply protecting a system which is no longer there.
“We are protecting a system made only of domestic games that will have little interest from our kids.
“I think people who oppose, when they justify [it] with rational arguments any aspect of the reforms.
“What’s healthy is people having a positive contribution. But ‘no, no, no’ as an answer, which we have heard from the Leagues in the past couple of months, is not really healthy.
“Whatever changes are brought won’t bring much change for Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, however you play with it they will qualify.
“What’s important is creating a system where clubs can grow within a system and not just be relegated.”