Newcastle Co-Owner Fuels Cristiano Ronaldo’s Europe Return Hopes: Saudi Clubs in UEFA Champions League ‘Won’t Take Too Long’

Fans affectionately refer to Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘King of the UEFA Champions League’. He holds the record for most appearances (183), goals (140), and assists (42) in the competition. The superstar is currently in a self-imposed exile from Europe after he joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. Besides, UEFA chiefs had earlier ruled out the chances of featuring a Saudi league club in the UCL. While CR7’s return seemed a distant dream, Newcastle United’s Co-owner Amanda Staveley believes the UEFA will give into Saudi’s advances of wanting to feature in the UCL soon.

Amanda Staveley is more than conversant with Saudi Arabia’s spending prowess and negotiation powers. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns the majority stake in Newcastle United- co-owned by Staveley. “Knowing Saudi”, the Newcastle chief is optimistic about a Saudi club’s participation in Europe’s biggest competition.

Amanda Staveley makes a confident prediction that could further revamp the dynamic of the new UEFA Champions League

Amanda Staveley spoke at length about soccer-related affairs at the Bloomberg Power Players Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She touched upon Newcastle United’s potential switch to a multi-club ownership model. Thereafter, she refueled the speculations about a Saudi club’s inclusion in the UEFA Champions League. “I’m quite sure there will be a Saudi club in the Champions League. I don’t know how long (it will take) but, knowing Saudi, I don’t think it’ll take too long,” said Amanda Staveley, as compiled by The Athletic.

Notably, the UEFA Champions League will adopt a ‘Swiss model’ from the upcoming season. Per this new model, the UCL will feature 36 teams in the Group Stage as opposed to the current 32-team format. At this juncture, the UEFA is expected to open its doors to a non-European club. Interestingly, reports and rumors from last month had it that Al Nassr could land a lucky spot in the UCL, facilitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to his favorite stage.

Previous rumors on Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the UCL

Last month, the Saudi Arabian journalist Al Harbi dropped a Cristiano Ronaldo bombshell report on X. The report stated that the European Union intends to invite Al Nassr to play in the revamped 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League. Reportedly, the European Union made this move because Al Nassr is being recognized as one of the three most famous clubs in the world.

READ MORE: “Hazard Was Right” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Dreadful Dribbling Attempt Makes Fans Go Wild as Al Nassr Register ACL Loss vs Al Ain

While it is dubious if Al Nassr is actually one of the Top 3 clubs globally, there is no denying the club’s popularity in Europe. At the heart of this fame is undoubtedly the presence of CR7. Besides, the club also poached fellow UEFA Champions League winners, such as Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte, to team up with Ronaldo.

What are your thoughts on Amanda Staveley’s statement? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Son Finally Fulfils His 2022 Promise by Lifting 1st Trophy With Al Nassr