Platini says UEFA could scrap Europa League

Michel Platini said a decision on changing UEFA competitions will be made in 2014.

Michel Euler/AP

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -- UEFA President Michel Platini says the soccer body could consider scrapping the Europa League and expanding the more popular Champions League.

Platini tells French daily Ouest-France that UEFA is having an "ongoing debate'' about possible changes to its competitions for the 2015-18 cycle of broadcasting contracts.

Platini says "we're discussing it. We will make a decision in 2014.''

The Europa League earns one-sixth of the Champions League's $1.73 billion annual revenue, which is mostly shared by 32 clubs which reach the group stage.

The Europa League's longer and more complicated format has also proved unpopular with some clubs and fans.

However, scrapping it in favor of a 64-team Champions League would likely be opposed by European Club Association members whom UEFA is obliged to consult on competition changes.

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