Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of the European Club Association and president of Paris Saint-Germain, believes the Champions League should have an opening ceremony.
Al-Khelaifi was elected chairman of the ECA in April 2021, replacing Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who stepped down from the role after backing a proposed European Super League.
The 48-year-old executive stated his desire for the Champions League final to feel bigger than the Super Bowl.
“I can’t understand how the Super Bowl (can feel) bigger than the Champions League final,”
He went on to explain what differentiated the two saying:
“The Super Bowl, and the US generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment. That’s what I have suggested; to have an opening ceremony to the Champions League, to have one match on the opening night where the winners take on a big team — maybe it is not a good idea, but at least let’s challenge the status quo. Each match needs to be an event and entertainment.”
The Champions League resumes on Tuesday at the quarter-final stage. Al-Khelaifi’s PSG will not be taking part, after they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the round of 16.
