Guy-Laurent Epstein said that drama and unpredictability mattered more than the presence of elite clubs in the closing stages of competitions such as the Champions League.
Yet access to the Champions League for clubs such as Ajax could effectively be closed off from 2024 under a proposal by UEFA and the European Club Association, according to league officials who have seen it. Asked if two mid-sized teams meeting in the final would damage the brand, he said:"I don't think so, because that would be earned on the pitch. As long as there is this meritocracy, I don't think it damages the product at all."
"I find it fantastic and I believe it adds to unpredictability, it adds to the newcomer story. It's great in my view, it makes the Champions League even better."