UEFA set to transform the Super cup from just a two-team final to a four-team tournament, with bigger changes.
The governing body of European football, UEFA has announced its intention of changing the format of the UEFA Super Cup from a 2-team final to a 4-team tournament. The aim is to make it more competitive and engaging, than just serving as the European football season opener.
This change is still under consideration, as they seek to transform the Super Cup to a four team tournament, which could start by the 2026/2027 season. The tournament is set to reformatted into two semi final games before the final is played. This will replace the current format of a single-match format.
The format is proposed to include the winner of the UEFA Conference League, facing off with the winner of the Europa League. The winner of this match will then face the winner of the Champions League. Part of the proposal also throws light on the likelihood of a team ouutside Europe being invited to participate, like the winner of the MLS or the Saudi Pro League.
The proposed format could have matches played outside Europe, with talks of these matches potentially being moved to the United States or the Middle East (preferrably Saudi Arabia). This idea is borrowed from the Spanish Super Cup, as UEFA seeks to to explore more global markets and increasing patronage outside Europe, as well as seeking an increase commercial revenue.
The aim of this new format is to maximise profits and engagements, after the restructuring of the formats of the Champions League, Europa League and the Conference League. The new format is also aimed at generating more revenue for the participating clubs, with the 4-team competition. UEFA also seeks to enhance TV rights and rack up more sponsorship deals.
UEFA have been pondering over these proposed new format since 2022, with discussions linked to the UEFA club competition TV rights cycle for 2024 to 2027. The format was initially slated to be implemented in 2024, but hose plans were stalled, with UEFA opting for the implementation to be made by 2026/2027.
This season’s Super Cup, however, will follow the current format. Winners of the Champions League – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspurs on August 13, in Udine-Italy.
