UEFA shook things up two years ago by revealing a revamped format for the Champions League. Get ready for a change in the game!
The new format, set to launch next season, introduces significant alterations to the existing structure, aiming to infuse football with fresh excitement and competitive vigor.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect from the new Champions League format.
Expanding the League: More Teams, Different Approach
The headline change is the inclusion of four additional teams, making it a total of 36, moving away from the traditional group stage setup.
Of the extra four slots, two will be allocated to countries whose teams accumulated the most points in the preceding season. England, Spain, Italy, and Germany take the lead in determining these new entries.
The remaining spot is reserved for teams from the champion’s path, a move that adds to the opportunities for smaller clubs.
A Fresh Playing Model
The revamped competition will kick off in September, running until January, featuring a series of matches in the new league setup. Rather than the conventional group system, UEFA will conduct a draw to form four capacity-based groups.
This unique approach will structure fixtures, allowing teams to play eight games, facing two opponents from each capacity group. Restrictions exist only against clubs from the same country.
UEFA plans to establish four informal groups, where every team engages in four home and four away games. Each club plays two matches against teams from each capacity group.
The Round of 16 Battle
The top eight teams in the standings secure direct qualification for the round of 16. Meanwhile, positions 9 to 24 contend in playoffs – a system involving double matches (home and away) between respective ranks.
A Notable Omission: No Europa League Safety Net
Unlike the current format, elimination from any stage of the revamped Champions League will not offer a route to the Europa League.
The new setup promises an intense and competitive journey toward the final stages, pushing teams to perform consistently for a chance at the prestigious trophy.
