The UEFA Champions League is set for a significant overhaul starting from the 2024-25 season, introducing the ‘Swiss model’ to replace the traditional group stage format. This transformation aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic tournament structure.
Under the new system, the Champions League will expand to accommodate 36 teams in the group stage, up from the current 32. This will lead to a broader representation of clubs, enhancing the competitiveness and excitement of the season. A key aspect of the reform is the introduction of league-phase fixtures, ensuring each participating team plays eight matches – four home and four away.
In the current format, teams are grouped into eight groups of four, playing six games in a double round-robin format. The revamped model offers a more diverse set of matchups, with each club facing eight different opponents selected through a draw, placing the 36 teams into four pots based on their UEFA coefficients. This approach aims to increase the intensity and attractiveness of the competition while reducing predictability.
READ ALSO — The UEFA Champions League Makes a Comeback
The final standings will be consolidated into a single league table, with the top eight teams progressing automatically to the round of 16. Teams ranked between ninth and 24th will participate in a two-legged knockout play-off for the remaining eight spots in the last 16.
In the knockout rounds, there will be no country protection, potentially leading to domestic clashes in the latter stages.
The reform also addresses the allocation of additional places in the Champions League. Two spots will be granted to clubs from the best-performing leagues in Europe based on their current season’s performance, while the third-placed team in the league ranked fifth in the UEFA coefficient will secure another place.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!