The UEFA Champions League will undergo a dramatic makeover beginning with the 2024-25 season, with the implementation of the ‘Swiss model.’
The conventional group stage system will be phased out, and efforts will begin to build a more inclusive and dynamic tournament structure.
Expand to 36 clubs
The Champions League will expand to 36 clubs in the group stage under the new system, up from 32 currently. There will be a wider representation of clubs, increasing the season’s intensity and excitement level.
A key reform is the league-phase arrangements, which guarantee each participating team eight games – four at home and four away.
More inclusive and dynamic
The present format divides teams into eight groups of four, with six games played in a double round-robin style, whereas the redesigned model provides a more diverse collection of opponents.
Each club will face eight different opponents, chosen in a draw that divides 36 teams into four pots based on their UEFA coefficients. This method seeks to boost competition intensity and attractiveness while decreasing predictability.
The final standings will be combined into a single league table, with the top eight teams qualifying automatically for the round of 16.
No nation protection
Teams ranked ninth through 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the final eight slots in the last 16.
There will be no nation protection in the knockout rounds, resulting in internal conflicts in the later stages. The change also covers the awarding of additional Champions League slots.
Two spaces will be awarded to clubs from Europe’s best-performing leagues based on their current season’s performance, with the third-placed team in the league ranked fifth in the UEFA coefficient securing another spot.
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