A time to dream

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino says that this point in the new football season is a time to dream and believe for clubs taking part in the early stages of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

At the draw ceremonies for the third qualifying rounds of UEFA's two blue-riband club competitions at the House of European Football in Nyon on Friday, Mr Infantino said that this was a moment where clubs, players and fans could look forward with anticipation to matches on the European stage, with a group-stage place this autumn coming within closer reach.

"You have every right to dream of a wonderful campaign, and let me take this opportunity to thank you for playing your part in ensuring the endless appeal of the UEFA Champions League," he said in wishing the best of luck to the sides involved in the draw for European club football's premium competition.

"The first season of a new three-year cycle has opened its doors, and is thrilling us with more exciting sporting challenges," he added. "The best of the best of club football is here and will stay here for a very long time.

"The fantastic targets achieved by our sales campaign," Mr Infantino went on, "will guarantee to all participating clubs higher revenue shares, and the newly approved distribution system will also significantly reward those clubs which will leave the competition in the qualifying stages.

"We are already fully immersed not just in a new season, but also in a new three-year cycle of the competition," the UEFA General Secretary continued at the UEFA Europa League draw ceremony.

"The access list has slightly changed," he went on, "letting ten more teams directly into the group phase, but we have already seen the tremendous power of the main new feature – thanks to winning the UEFA Europa League title last season, Sevilla will now play in the UEFA Champions League.

"This is a dream that may come true for any of you. So believe in it ...

"Furthermore," Mr Infantino concluded, "the competition brand has been refreshed with a very energising look. New media and commercial contracts and a reviewed distribution system will also guarantee higher revenue shares to all participants, including in these qualifying rounds. Let me take this opportunity to wish you all the very best of luck as you look to turn your dreams of a long and successful UEFA Europa League campaign into reality."