The UEFA Champions League, Europe's top competition, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation starting from the 2024/25 season. With a revamped structure and key rule changes, the tournament aims to modernize its format, improve competitiveness, and ease player workload.
One of the most striking proposed changes is the removal of extra time in the knockout rounds. Under this new system, if a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will go straight to a penalty shootout. While not officially confirmed yet, UEFA is seriously considering this move as a response to growing concerns over player fatigue caused by an increasingly crowded match calendar. The idea is to streamline match durations and reduce the risk of injuries, though critics argue it could take away some of the drama and tactical complexity that extra time often brings.
Another major update concerns how home advantage will be awarded. In the new league-phase format, 36 teams will compete in a single table instead of traditional groups. After this phase, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. These teams will also be given the privilege of hosting the second leg in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, provided they advance. This change is designed to reward consistency and strong early performances, potentially offering a significant edge to the highest-ranking teams.
Additionally, UEFA is set to enforce new rules regarding national matchups. During the league phase and the Round of 16, clubs from the same country will not be allowed to face each other. This adjustment aims to maintain variety and suspense in the competition’s early knockout rounds. However, from the quarterfinals onward, teams from the same nation may be drawn against one another.
These changes come as part of UEFA’s broader efforts to adapt the Champions League to the modern football landscape. The organization hopes the new format will deliver more high-stakes, high-quality matches while also addressing long-standing concerns from clubs, players, and fans alike.
While the decision to eliminate extra time is still under discussion, the rest of the structural changes have already been confirmed. As Europe’s top clubs prepare for this new era, all eyes will be on how these reforms impact the intensity, fairness, and spectacle of the world’s most prestigious club tournament.
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