Super Bowl should not feel bigger than Champions League final, says PSG president Al-Khelaifi

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has become one of the most powerful figures in football and is determined to help broaden the game’s already mass appeal by making events such as the Champions League final more of a spectacle, similar to the show put on for American audiences in the Super Bowl.

European football already captivates a global audience, while viewing figures for the World Cup dwarf anything that can be achieved by other sports, but there is still a sense that more can be done on the entertainment front.

Al-Khelaifi, who is also chair of the beIN Sports television network and the European Clubs’ Association (ECA), intends to help lead that charge as he starts to float ideas which would allow the biggest games in club football to stand alongside the greatest event in NFL circles.

The Qatari businessman has told The Athletic of his hopes for the future of Champions League competition: “The final should be bigger.

“I can’t understand how the Super Bowl can feel bigger than the Champions League final. The Super Bowl, and the US generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment.

“That’s what I have suggested, to have an opening ceremony to the Champions League, to have one match on the opening night where the winners take on a big team — maybe it is not a good idea, but at least let’s challenge the status quo. Each match needs to be an event and entertainment.”

He added: “We’re also thinking with UEFA about event formats and experiences.

“Take the Champions League — by far the best club competition, but how do we make each match an event? My suggestion is to have a creative and entertainment department as part of the new joint venture between UEFA and ECA.

“How do we make the group stages