Uefa planning changes champions league
UEFA is indeed planning changes to the Champions League format, which will come into effect from the 2024-25 season. Here are the key changes:
- Expansion from 32 to 36 teams: The Champions League will feature 36 teams, up from the current 32. This will include 18 teams that qualify automatically, 6 teams that qualify through a playoff round, and 12 teams that qualify through a new "Champions League Path" in the Europa League.
- New group stage format: The group stage will be played in a round-robin format, with each team playing 10 matches (5 home and 5 away). The top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the knockout phase.
- Knockout phase changes: The knockout phase will feature a new "Champions League Path" and a "Europa League Path". The winners of the Champions League Path will qualify for the quarterfinals, while the winners of the Europa League Path will qualify for the round of 16.
- New "Champions League Path": This path will feature the top 4 teams from the Europa League group stage, who will play against each other in a mini-tournament to determine the 2 teams that will qualify for the Champions League knockout phase.
- Increased revenue: The changes are expected to increase revenue for UEFA, with the expanded format and new broadcast deals generating more money for the organization.
- More matches, more excitement: The expanded format and new group stage format are expected to create more excitement and unpredictability, with more teams competing for a spot in the knockout phase.
These changes aim to increase the competitiveness and excitement of the Champions League, while also providing more opportunities for teams to qualify for the competition.