GENEVA – Inter vice president Javier Zanetti has lauded UEFA’s decision to increase the number of Champions League group-stage places received by the four highest-ranking leagues in Europe to four from the 2018/19 season.
Speaking from the 17th General Assembly of the European Club Association in Geneva, which F.C. Internazionale was attending along with 152 other European clubs, Zanetti described the move as "an important decision".
"It’s an opportunity that rewards the history of clubs like ours," said Zanetti. "We are among the clubs that have made the biggest contribution to adding extra shine to an internationally renowned competition like the UEFA Champions League.
"As a team, it’s up to us to give our all to make sure we’re always there."
During the General Assembly, ECA president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained the details of what had been agreed in the executive committee.
"This is not a revolution but an evolution, and one that we all approve," said Rummenigge. "We’re proud of the way in which relations between the ECA and UEFA have developed between 2008 and now. This is the evidence that the voice of European clubs continues to be heard and respected."
