GENEVA (AP) — The richest clubs and biggest leagues in Europe are set to tighten their grip on the Champions League's future format and prize money this week.
A deal being prepared by UEFA should end threats by some elite clubs to break away and form a closed European Super League before 2021.
However, it could ensure that more guaranteed places in the 32-team group stage and bigger shares of billion-dollar prize money each season will go to teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus from the four highest-ranked national leagues.
In the hours before the group-stage draw on Thursday, a series of meetings with clubs and UEFA executive committee members in Monaco is expected to agree changes to entry slots for the 2018-2021 seasons.