CONCACAF confirm formation of new Champions Cup to replace CCL
Following the conclusion of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League final, the confederation has revealed new plans to rebrand the competition.
Out with the old, and in with the new: the CONCACAF Champions Cup will replace the former Champions League starting in 2024. Liga MX's Club Leon were the last to win the CCL, 3-1 on aggregate over LAFC, before the change to the CCC was made.
From 1962 to 2008, the competition was named as the CONCACAF Champions Cup. But from 2008-2023, the tournament was dubbed as the CONCACAF Champions League. Now, the tournament returns to its original name.
Several changes have been made to the competition in addition to the name, including how many clubs will participate and the cash prize for the winner.
Previously, the winner of the CCL would bring home roughly $500,000. Now, the winner of the CCC will bring in at least $5m, a notable increase that will encourage clubs to do everything they can to have a shot at winning it.
51 games will be played during the tournament by 27 different clubs from across the continent. New mini competitions have been established in order to qualify for the CCC: CONCACAF Central American Cup, CONCACAF Carribbean Cup and the already known Leagues Cup between Liga MX and MLS clubs.
The first four stage of the competition will remain home-and-away ties, with the final a single match taking place on a weekend.
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) June 6, 2023
Here's how that looks & a reminder of the field: pic.twitter.com/YoVgk3wvMX
"The CONCACAF Champions Cup will take continental club football in our region to the next level," CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani said in a press release. "It will elevate leagues and clubs across CONCACAF and the new name for the competition, alongside this vibrant new brand, allows us to celebrate our rich history while looking ahead to a great future of international club football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean."
"The new CONCACAF club ecosystem will deliver more of those big rivalry matchups that we know footballers want to play in and that fans want to see. Clubs across the region will have to be at their very best to compete to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup and to earn the right to represent the region in the revamped and expanded FIFA Club World Cup which begins in 2025."
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