Inter president Erick Thohir has called on Serie A to embrace globalisation and called for change to the Champions League.
The Indonesian Businessman, who also owns controlling interests in DC United in the MLS and Persib Bandung of the Indonesian Super League, highlighted a number of areas that Italy’s top flight could improve to increase the status of the league and it’s marketability.
“All members of the Italian football club from the government should be more open to globalization,” Thohir told CNN.
“This could be the key to improving Serie A. An example to follow is the MLS where there are many foreign investors, because the structures and various industries are more transparent and everything is very attractive to those who would like to invest, even before they know what they will find going to the stadium.
“In Serie A, however, is not the same and now it has become a challenge for all in Italian football to become more open. To believe in Italian football.
“Serie A has to work together to improve. Be more open, even on a global level, as I said. Italian football is starting to do it.”
The Nerazzurri president, in a subsequent interview with the BBC’s World Football radio programme, also discussed the need for change in the UEFA Champions League.
“Italy, England, France and Spain are the great footballing countries,” he stated. “For clubs in these countries, being in the Champions League is very important.
“It gives them an even greater level of visibility. At the same time, it’s important to respect countries such as the Ukraine, Azerbaijan and others because they are also competing in Europe.
“The Europa League is increasing the number of teams that participate in it. Why can’t the Champions League do the same?
“In Italy, two teams qualify directly and a third qualifies for the play-offs. Why not have the same number of teams as England? Italy is a great footballing country.”
Thohir has been in control of Inter since his holding company bought a 70 percent stake for €250 million in October 2013.
