Manchester United's Old Trafford has today been awarded the honour of hosting next season's Champions League final. It is the first time an English ground has been chosen for European club football's most prestigious occasion since Wembley staged the final between Barcelona and Sampdoria in 1992. The recommendation comes following a two-day meeting of UEFA's executive committee in Nyon, with Seville's Olimpico Stadium the venue for the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
President Lennart Johansson has also confirmed that UEFA is to maintain the current format of its top-flight Champions League with 32 teams and two phases for the next four seasons beyond the current campaign. There had been talk of the tournament being revamped, and the possibility of it reverting to a straight knockout following the initial group stage.
Europe's major clubs are understood to have expressed their displeasure at such a suggestion, unsurprising given the considerable amount of revenue involved, with UEFA's decision coming following an extensive consultation exercise.
Among other recommendations, the Swiss Football Association have been asked to act as hosts for next summer's European Under-21 Championships.
Filed by Shane Murray
