Will Saudi Arabian clubs play in Champions League?

The Saudi Pro League has attracted widespread attention after a busy transfer window.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has dismissed rumours about the addition of Saudi Arabian clubs to the Champions League.

Earlier this month, a report from Corriere dello Sport claimed that Saudi authorities were planning to negotiate a wildcard entry into the Champions League. However, Ceferin insists that UEFA is not planning to add non-European teams into their competitions.

“Only European clubs can participate in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.” Ceferin told L’Equipe

“Only European federations can apply [to host] a final, not even clubs. We would have to change all our rules, and we don’t want that.”

“Nobody knows where they’re playing”

Ceferin also rubbished reports about the prospect of the Champions League final being hosted by the USA. The UEFA chief is not concerned by possible competition from the Saudi Pro League despite the arrival of several top-class stars in the Middle Eastern competition.

“As far as I know, [Kylian] Mbappe and [Erling] Haaland don’t dream of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

“I don’t believe that the best players at the pinnacle of their careers would go to Saudi Arabia. When people talk to me about the players who went there, nobody knows where they’re playing.”