'People want simplicity with a group format that makes sense and is a lot clearer.'
EPCR BOARD MEMBER Martin Anayi says the format of the Heineken Champions Cup needs to be addressed, amid complaints from fans, media, players, and coaches again this season.
Before the 2020/21 season, the Heineken Cup involved only 20 clubs who were split into five pools of four clubs, meaning they each had six pool games as they played each other home and away. The five clubs who topped each pool advanced straight into quarter-finals, along with the three highest-ranked runners-up.
“It’s generally accepted that the format is too complicated,” Anayi told the official BKT URC website. Meanwhile, Anayi admitted that the URC still has lots of work to do to improve, despite the obvious growth since the introduction of the four leading South African sides.
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