Key UEFA sponsor behind combined Russian and Ukrainian league

One of UEFA’s main partners are among  the driving forces behind plans to combine the Russian and Ukrainian leagues titled the United Championship.

Gazprom, a Champions League sponsor, are behind the plan which could massively increase commercial revenue for clubs in both countries.

UEFA are watching developments closely but haven’t raised any objections with other countries and clubs watching developments closely.

With television deals in the major countries escalating other nations like Scotland, Portugal and Belgium are being left behind with Celtic among those clubs looking to see if there is any way to combine resources.

Russia and the Ukraine border each other making a football union natural as Gazprom Chief Executive Alexei Miller said: “Of course the approval of UEFA is required.

“We can already say with confidence there will be an interesting discussion.

“This is because of the requirements imposed by UEFA’s financial fair play rules. I am sure if the United Championship is created, this requirement will be fully conformed to.

“We think it is realistic to hold the championship from the autumn of 2014.”

Until the early nineties Ukrainian and Russian clubs played in the same league but the break up of the Soviet Union led to the formation of different associations who all started their own leagues providing them with access to UEFA competition.

While  there is a natural solution between Russia and the Ukraine Scottish clubs face a tougher challenge with no natural partner since the English Premier League is the most successful commercial operation in Europe.

Talks about talks have been mentioned with Scandinavian clubs for over a decade without any real proposal being put on the table.