Super Cup to become four-team tournament? UEFA's bizzare plans to expand European curtain-raiser revealed

Currently contested between the Champions League and Europa League winners, the UEFA Super Cup may soon see its format doubled. According to reports, a proposal is on the table to include four teams, likely adding other European competition winners into the mix, and stage the matches abroad. The change could see the curtain-raiser relocated to major venues in the United States or Middle East in an attempt to tap into growing global interest and boost broadcasting revenue.

This year’s match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham is taking place in Udine at the 25,000-capacity Stadio Friuli - the first time Italy has hosted the fixture. However, the venue was the only bidder, highlighting a potential lack of enthusiasm among European cities. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has already said that playing top European club games in the US is "possible", while Spain’s four-team Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020.

The UEFA Super Cup was first played in 1973 between Ajax and AC Milan, with the Dutch side winning 6-1 on aggregate. Until 1998, the fixture was contested over two legs before switching to a single neutral venue.

A decision on the format is expected ahead of the next media rights bidding round. If approved, the expanded Super Cup could debut before the 2026-27 season, potentially marking the first time the event is staged outside Europe.