( CNN ) -- UEFA has exchanged `` initial thoughts '' with Europe 's top clubs about revamping its two major competitions . One idea up for discussion is to double the European Champions League in size to include 64 teams as part of a proposal which would see the second-tier Europa League scrapped . `` We exchanged initial thoughts , but the discussions are to follow , '' a spokesman for the European Club Association ( ECA ) , which represents 207 European clubs , told CNN in a statement . `` For the time being there 's nothing concrete . `` As a principle , ECA is happy with the competition structure as it is , '' added the spokesman . `` However , we are open to discuss changes or improvements in light of the 2015-18 competition cycle . We will get together with UEFA at some point to discuss . '' The Europa League has become very much the poorer relation of the two competitions with Europe 's governing body earning about Â£800m more from the Champions League . And while Chelsea made Â£49m by winning the Champions League in 2012 , Europa League winners Atletico Madrid earned just Â£8.5m in prize money . `` We 're discussing it , '' UEFA president Michel Platini told French newspaper Ouest France . `` We will make a decision in 2014 . Nothing is decided yet . `` There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018 . '' Formerly known as the the UEFA Cup , the Europa League has been much-maligned since it was rebranded in 2009 . A prolonged qualification process means a team reaching the Europa League final might have played as many as 20 games , in addition to domestic fixtures . Breakaway `` Super League '' Often high-profile clubs take the decision to play second-string teams in the competition , preferring to focus on their domestic league and the chance of qualifying for the Champions League . Earlier this season , UEFA asked managers and players to refer to the Europa League as `` prestigious '' , `` rich in heritage '' and `` dramatic '' . In the Ouest France interview , former French international Platini also dismissed the idea of Europe 's biggest football clubs , such as Barcelona , Real Madrid , Bayern Munich and Manchester United , forming a breakaway `` Super League '' . `` It 's a question that is regularly brought up , '' said the UEFA president . `` I ca n't see how it could work outside the UEFA framework . Who will referee them ? In what stadiums will they play ? '' Meanwhile Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis is to join the ECA 's executive board after David Gill , CEO of the Gunners ' Premier League rivals , decided to stand down from the European club organization . Gazidis will replace Gill on the UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council , with the United executive concentrating on his candidacy for election to the UEFA Executive Committee in the coming year . `` I am pleased to welcome Ivan Gazidis on the ECA executive board , '' ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement . `` His experience and distinct football knowledge will add a lot of value to ECA and European club football as a whole , '' added the German international striker , who is also chairman of Bayern Munich . `` At the same time , I would like to thank David Gill for his invaluable contribution to ECA over the last three years , '' `` On behalf of the ECA Executive Board , I wish him all the best for his future professional and personal life . ''
The Champions League could be expanded to include 64 teams . UEFA president Michel Platini announced a decision on format of competitions to be made in 2014 . New proposals could see the second - tier Europa League scrapped . The Europa League replaced the UEFA Cup in 2009 .