UEFA are planning to hold a mini tournament at the beginning of every season, with four participating teams. Right now, it is being called the ‘Opening Tournament’, and will see some of the best teams in Europe square off against one another.

One of the confirmed participants are the previous season’s Champions League winners. Which means that if it were to be held prior to the beginning of the ongoing 22/23 season, Real Madrid would’ve been an automatic qualifier.

UEFA planning 4-team pre-season mini tournament

🚨 Mini-tournament being considered by UEFA:

▪️ 4 teams to participate
▪️ Will be played before start of each season.
▪️ UCL winner of previous season + 3 other top teams.
▪️ Will be named the “Opening Tournament”.

(Source: @TheAthleticUK) pic.twitter.com/0YQLwDYsYn
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The Champions League format has been criticised a lot in recent years. And not too long ago, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid led a movement for the European Super League as an alternative. However, due to strong protests from fans, the plans were eventually shut down.

The presidents of all three clubs have still hinted that talks about such a breakaway competition could be on. Which means that the ‘Opening Tournament‘ could be one of the ways in which UEFA changes their approach to European football whilst governing all the teams. They have also changed the format of the Champions League to reflect one similar to that of the European Super League, in the coming years.

UEFA are considering plans of playing the tournament outside of Europe, with the Middle East, North America or SouthEast Asia emerging as lucrative destinations.