GENEVA:  The group which represents Europe’s leading clubs is to consider pressing for promotion and relegation to be built in to a restructured Champions League.

Andrea Agnelli, the Juventus president who chairs the European Club Association, has outlined possible changes in a letter to its 232 members. They will be discussed at a clubs meeting on June 6-7.

The ECA wants to hear views on “principles we feel are fundamental to the future of European football”.

These include the creation of a “pyramidal Pan-European league system with continuity and opportunity to grow from within” and the “enhancement of mobility and dynamism across the system through carefully applied promotion and relegation”.

Agnelli also said that new competitions had to be “an inclusive platform for all clubs, based on sporting meritocracy, not historical privilege”, and that “symbiosis” must be maintained with the domestic leagues.

The ECA, which has denied reports in the past that it plans to create a closed league with guaranteed places for the biggest clubs, said discussions were at an early stage.

The English, French and Spanish leagues – and the European Leagues umbrella group – have opposed such proposals, saying domestic football is more popular with fans.

Agnelli also warned ECA members against attending a European Leagues meeting in Madrid next month.

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