European leagues agree to new UEFA deal


Europe's top soccer leagues say they will renew a working agreement with UEFA that avoids clashes between domestic and Champions League games. European Professional Football Leagues chairman Lars-Christer Olsson says the cooperation deal is being finalized, and UEFA should ratify it in September.

The previous deal ended in March amid leagues criticizing UEFA's changes to the 2018-21 Champions League seasons, favoring clubs in Europe's four wealthiest and strongest soccer countries.

European leagues now will not schedule midweek games head-to-head with the Champions League next season. The deal also makes it tougher for clubs to push for regular Champions League games on Saturdays from 2021.