Dortmund fans protest UEFA reforms with 'mafia' tifo against Celtic
- Borussia Dortmund fans protested against UEFA's Champions League reforms during a match against Celtic.
- The fans displayed a tifo and banners criticizing UEFA for focusing on profit rather than the sport.
- The changes to the Champions League format have sparked significant backlash from supporters concerned about the commercialization of football.
In Dortmund, Germany, Borussia Dortmund fans expressed their discontent with recent Champions League reforms during a match against Celtic. The supporters showcased a large tifo that read "UEFA mafia" along with a banner criticizing UEFA for prioritizing financial gain over the integrity of the sport. This season, UEFA has implemented significant changes to the Champions League format, including the addition of four teams and the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league system. Each of the 36 participating teams will now face eight opponents in the initial phase of the competition. The fans' protest highlights a growing frustration among supporters regarding the commercialization of football and the perceived disregard for the sport's values. Additionally, Celtic fans displayed Palestinian and Lebanese flags, further emphasizing the political dimensions often intertwined with football culture.