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Some Champions League clubs still hanker for a closed European league, threatening the pyramid that is the foundation of football.

The European governing body's flagship tournament returns tonight with Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona and Internazionale all in action. However, one of the biggest powerbrokers in European football has articulated the clubs' plans for guaranteed participation in the event on a yearly basis.

"I still believe a European league will be an unavoidable step, though it may take more time than expected," said the Milan director Umberto Gandini.

The dissolution of the G14 pressure group of clubs and the institution of the European Clubs Association as a Uefa talking shop was described as a "historic moment" for football. However, it is clear that despite its disappearance the ambitions promoted by the G14 have not been diluted and ambitions for more control remain.

Indeed, so developed are the plans that Gandini, who as one of four club representatives on Uefa's strategy forum has a voice in European football's most influential decision-making body, outlined a scenario in which clubs retain a presence in their domestic leagues.

"Between the 50 most important continental clubs, none would give up playing in their respective countries," he said. "It will be a natural evolution, with both levels properly integrated."

(Source: Guardian.co.uk)