![Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, pictured with Per Widerström, chief executive, 888 [William Hill], at the launch of EPIC Global Solutions’ new gambling harm prevention programme, being delivered to players, staff and supporters at all 42 SPFL clubs, as part of the competition’s new title sponsorship deal with William Hill.](https://resources.insidersport.com/insidersport/2024/10/SPFL-PR-218x150.jpg "SPFL seeks to ‘improve’ on record £44.3m turnover")
UEFA Champions League rights in Italy are set to be split between Amazon and Sky according to a report from Reuters.
It is reported that whilst Amazon will retain rights to the pick of each round of fixtures, Sky will broadcast the remaining ties.
It comes as Europe’s premier club competition prepares for an overhaul of its format for the next cycle.
The changes were approved last year as UEFA CEO Aleksander Ceferin emphasised that ‘the dream to participate will remain for all clubs’ – this followed widely criticised abandoned proposals for clubs to take a spot in the tournament based on historical pedigree.
He added: “UEFA has clearly shown today that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model.
“We are convinced that the format chosen strikes the right balance and that it will improve the competitive balance and generate solid revenues that can be distributed to clubs, leagues and into grassroots football across our continent while increasing the appeal and popularity of our club competitions.”
As part of the new format, teams won’t be divided into separate leagues, but instead will compete for spots in the same group. However, each side will still play eight group games against different teams – split between home and away ties.
Key to the changes, UEFA stated was the ‘opportunity for future growth of European football in a sustainable, responsible and inclusive way’.
The changes to the preliminary stages of the tournament will also be applied to the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.
Evolution within European football tournaments comes amid a backdrop of increased competition from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs eyeing a revised breakaway tournament, following the downfall of the maligned European Super League.
![Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, pictured with Per Widerström, chief executive, 888 [William Hill], at the launch of EPIC Global Solutions’ new gambling harm prevention programme, being delivered to players, staff and supporters at all 42 SPFL clubs, as part of the competition’s new title sponsorship deal with William Hill.](https://resources.insidersport.com/insidersport/2024/10/SPFL-PR-100x70.jpg "SPFL seeks to ‘improve’ on record £44.3m turnover")