The Champions League has created, in almost every country in Europe, an elite of rich clubs whose increasing dominance is turning their domestic title races into predictable turn-offs for fans, Uefa are warning.
England's Premiership is one of the least open because the 'competitive imbalance' between the richest three - Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United - and their 17 rivals has become so acute on and off the pitch, say Uefa.
Their views are backed up by research from a sporting think-tank, The Sports Nexus, published today. The report warns that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle are becoming a perpetual elite whose financial firepower increasingly sets them apart from rivals because between them they always win the league and claim lucrative Champions League places.
Urgent measures are needed to bridge the widening financial gap or clubs such as former European trophy-winners Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest could disappear within 20 years, said William Gaillard, communications chief at European football's governing body.
Uefa are worried that the contest to become champions - be it in England, Scotland, Italy, Portugal, Norway or Latvia - is increasingly restricted to a few clubs who have used Champions League revenue to outstrip the rest.
'It's a serious concern for us that in many European countries only a small number of teams can win the domestic league title,' said Gaillard. 'This competitive imbalance is not unique in England, but it is quite pronounced there.'
Gaillard added: 'Previously, you could play for or support Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest or Derby County and have a chance that in your lifetime they would win the league or FA Cup. But today that chance is becoming more remote. These mid-size teams have made the history of European football. There are a lot of glorious names today that, if nothing is done, in 20 years' time will be threatened with extinction. They have no possibility of getting to the top eight or 10 of the top division in their countries.'