United lead European backlash

Manchester United are leading the crusade of Europe's elite clubs and demanding UEFA change the format of the Champions League amid fears of a financial meltdown across the continent.

Old Trafford bosses are prepared to go to war with European football's governing body to force UEFA to reverse this summer's decision to change the Champions League for next season.

With clubs from England, Italy and Spain facing financial ruin, the European game's top clubs want UEFA to return to the existing group format for the second round.

A United insider said: 'Clubs are worried that the lack of games means a loss of revenue. For two more home games we are talking millions of pounds and that is crucial in the current climate.

'The new format also moves away from a European league but the top clubs don't want that.'

UEFA announced last month that in 2003 the second-round matches will be played on a knock- out basis rather than groups, which can guarantee some clubs at least £1.5million per game in gate revenue alone. UEFA has made changes because it is concerned with falling TV figures for the secondround games, as well as the increasing number of matches being played by the top players in Europe.

United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs in the self-styled G14 who want the decision to be reversed and will start lobbying for support at a UEFA meeting next month and demand a re-think.