Starting in the 2024/25 season, the Champions League will undergo a significant transformation in its format. The group stage will be eliminated, making way for a new league phase with 36 teams. This change seeks to increase competitiveness and offer more exciting matches to fans. With a system similar to the Swiss one, each team will play eight matches against different opponents during the league phase.
According to Rafa Navarro, Director of Training at SIA:
In this new Champions League format, every point is important , as there are no group matches where the strong teams were already qualified and the reserves played. Now there is more spectacle and much more excitement in each match.
Table of Contents
Transformation of the Champions League Format
The Champions League will undergo a significant transformation in its structure. These changes are the result of a thorough analysis and the need to offer a more dynamic and attractive tournament for teams and fans.
From the Group Stage to the League Stage
One of the most striking decisions regarding the new structure is the elimination of the traditional group stage. Until now, 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four. Under the new format, the tournament will move to a league phase with 36 clubs, marking a break with the model that has defined the tournament for decades.
This new league phase will allow all teams to take part in a wider variety of matches. Each club will play a total of eight matches, facing different opponents. Fans are therefore expected to enjoy more top-level matches from the start of the competition.
Implementation of the Swiss System
The Swiss system, used in sports such as chess, will be integrated into the new format. Instead of each team competing against each other, pairings will be drawn based on common ranking, allowing for greater balance and excitement. This means that not everyone will play against the same opponents, which will diversify the encounters and make each match count significantly in the quest for points.
This system will lead to greater interaction between clubs from different leagues and nations, leading to clashes that might otherwise have been limited to the final rounds of the tournament. Values such as competitiveness and surprise will benefit from this renewed approach.
Impact on Competitiveness
The format transformation is seen as a path towards greater competitiveness. By increasing the number of matches and the diversity of rivals, it is expected that all teams, regardless of their historical size, will have opportunities to demonstrate their quality. This new approach is intended to create a dynamic where each match is relevant to the development of the tournament.
With a renewed emphasis on performance over a longer phase, any slip-up can have significant consequences. Teams will need to constantly live up to expectations, which promises to heighten the excitement for players and fans alike.
Details of the New League Phase
The new league phase in the Champions League marks a significant change in the way teams compete. This new format introduces different dynamics to the competition and offers a more intense and varied gaming experience.
How Teams Rank
Qualification for this league phase will be based on performance in their respective domestic leagues and the UEFA coefficient. This system will allow more clubs to qualify, which is a central concept in the tournament’s revamp.
- Teams with the best coefficient in Europe will have priority in access.
- Leagues with greater success in previous seasons will be able to send more representatives, improving overall competitiveness.
- It is hoped that the qualification system will result in the inclusion of clubs that have not historically had the opportunity to participate at this level.
Eight Games, Four at Home and Four Away
In this new format, each team will play a total of eight matches during the league phase. This is a crucial aspect, as it allows for a more diverse treatment of the rivals that the teams may face.
The matches will be distributed as follows:
- Four matches will be played at home, offering a significant advantage to the home teams.
- Four matches will be played away from home, adding an additional level of challenge and excitement to the competition.
This distribution not only increases the number of matches, but also enriches the experience for fans, who will be able to enjoy a greater variety of matches.
Distribution in drums and pairings
Pot allocation is another important feature of the new league phase. Teams will be seeded into pots based on their UEFA coefficient, which will influence the initial pairings.
- Teams will be grouped into four pots, where each pot will contain teams that share a similar competitive level.
- Each team will play against two clubs from each of the four pots, thus maximizing the diversity of the opponents faced.
- This matchmaking system was designed to ensure that Europe’s top clubs face each other from the early stages of the competition, increasing the excitement.
The implementation of this league phase will transform the way the Champions League is experienced, making the first half of the tournament as exciting as the knockout stages that have characterised it in the past.
Classification and New Available Places
The inclusion of new places in the competition represents a significant change in the access of clubs to the Champions League. This system seeks to balance the competition and offer opportunities to a greater number of teams.
Four Additional Places
With the transformation of the tournament, four new slots have been added that will allow for greater inclusion of clubs from various leagues. These slots are:
- First place: It will be awarded to the club that finishes in third place in the league of the federation that occupies fifth position in the UEFA ranking.
- Second place: This will be awarded to the national champion who is included in the champions’ route, increasing to five the number of teams that can access through this route.
- Third and fourth places: These positions will be allocated to the federations with the best collective performance, ensuring that well-ranked clubs, but which have not achieved other access routes, can participate in the competition.
UEFA Coefficient and its Importance
The UEFA coefficient plays a crucial role in determining the qualifying places for clubs. This system is based on the performance of teams in European competitions over the years. A high coefficient allows clubs, especially from less recognised leagues, to access competitions that were previously unreachable for them. This will contribute to greater parity between the different national leagues and facilitate the development of emerging clubs on the European scene.
Advantages for Unusual Teams
The new qualifying format is intended to open the doors to clubs that have traditionally not had access to the Champions League. Not only will this provide a platform for these teams to showcase their talent, but it will also enrich the tournament with a diversity of playing styles and football cultures. Non-traditional clubs will benefit from:
- Growth opportunities: By participating in European competitions, these teams will have the opportunity to increase their visibility and resources.
- International experience: Competing at European level will allow players and coaches to gain valuable experience, essential for their professional development.
- Revenue generation: Participation in the Champions League will facilitate the generation of income from television rights, sponsorship and ticket sales, which can contribute to its long-term financial stability.
Qualifying Process for the Playoffs
The league phase in the new format will determine how teams advance to the Champions League knockout stages. This process is crucial in defining which clubs will have the opportunity to continue competing in the tournament after the league phase, as well as the contested dynamics that will be established based on their results.
Eight First Classified Directly
Teams that manage to finish in the top eight positions at the conclusion of the league phase will gain direct entry to the Round of 16. This improvement to the system aims to reward clubs that perform most successfully during the early stages, thereby giving them a significant advantage in the competition. This format not only increases competitiveness, but also ensures that the best teams are present in the knockout stages, resulting in more exciting and engaging matches for fans.
Function of the Play-Offs
Clubs finishing between ninth and twenty-fourth will have to go through a two-legged play-off round in order to secure their passage to the knockout stage. This two-legged system adds an extra level of excitement and tension, as each match will be crucial in determining who advances. The strategic importance of these encounters will be high, as each team will look to maximise their chances and eliminate the risk of being eliminated from the tournament.
- The format of these play-offs will ensure that a high level of competitiveness is maintained between the second-tier teams.
- Surprises are possible, as teams that have performed acceptably during the league phase may have the opportunity to challenge more established clubs.
Exclusion from the Europa League
Clubs that fail to qualify for the knockout stages, i.e. those that finish 25th or lower in the league phase, will be eliminated from the competition, with no chance of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. This decision reinforces the exclusivity and importance of the new Champions League format, establishing that only the top teams will be able to compete in European competitions. This will mean increased pressure and motivation for clubs throughout the league phase, as the fight for qualification becomes a matter of vital importance and mistakes can prove costly.
Changes to the Competition Calendar
The implementation of the new format entails a revision of the competition calendar. These changes affect both the distribution of the rounds and the organisation of the decisive phases of the tournament.
Distribution of League Matchdays
The new league phase will take place between September and January. This period will allow all teams to have the opportunity to compete regularly, ensuring that fans can enjoy multiple matches throughout these months. The Champions League will feature a more condensed format, which will increase the number of meaningful matches within a defined timeframe.
The precise scheduling of matches aims to avoid conflicts with other competitions, making it easier for clubs to manage their squads and optimise sporting performance. The structure will allow for greater visibility of the matches, favouring the public’s follow-up of the tournament.
Date for the Play-Offs
The play-offs will take place in February, just before the round of 16 begins in March. This knockout phase will be crucial as it will decide which teams advance to the next round after the league phase. The February period is designed to maintain interest and excitement by offering decisive clashes that will keep the attention of fans and media.
The establishment of this specific period will also allow clubs to have a period of rest between the league phase and these qualifiers, which can help prevent player burnout and ensure they are in optimal shape for the most crucial moments of the tournament.
Competitive Weeks Specialization
In order to better organise the overall UEFA competition calendar, a specialisation of competitive weeks will be implemented. This means that each type of tournament will have its own space, thus avoiding overlapping events. Champions League weeks will be dedicated exclusively to this championship, which will facilitate planning for participating clubs and allow for a richer experience for fans.
- The weeks dedicated to the Champions League will offer greater media attention and more exhaustive coverage.
- The competitive atmosphere will be promoted by concentrating the matches and creating an environment in which each match is crucial.
- Organizing the matches by week will help teams prepare more effectively for their matches, improving overall performance in the tournament.
These changes to the calendar are a step towards a more efficient organisation, maximising the excitement and engagement of clubs and their fans in the European football landscape.
Impact on Other UEFA Competitions
The new Champions League format will have repercussions on other UEFA-organised competitions, such as the Europa League and the Conference League. These changes are intended not only to increase the excitement of European football, but also to offer new opportunities to a greater number of clubs in different leagues.
Changes in the Europa League
The Europa League will undergo a major transformation in its structure, following the league model that will be implemented in the Champions League. This change will allow for greater participation by teams, broadening the scope of the competition. Clubs from lower leagues will be able to access this tournament on a more equitable basis, increasing their chances of competing at European level.
The group stage will be replaced by a league stage similar to the new Champions League model, resulting in:
- Increased number of matches: With a more inclusive format, fans will enjoy more meaningful matches.
- Lesser-known teams will be able to shine and show their talent in the Europa League: Teams that usually have less exposure in the Champions League.
New Dynamics of the Europa Conference League
The Europa Conference League will also benefit from these changes. In order to bring more excitement to the competition, a similar scheme will be implemented to promote equal opportunities and competitiveness. This competition will focus on highlighting clubs that do not usually reach the advanced stages of other European tournaments.
With the new dynamic, the following aspects are expected to be strengthened:
- Open competition: This will allow a greater number of lower league clubs to participate and compete for a European title.
- Growth in popularity: As more teams have the opportunity to play in European competitions, fan base is expected to grow and interest in the tournament will increase.
Greater Integration of Competitions
One of UEFA’s aims with the new structure is to achieve greater integration between its different competitions. This will mean that clubs can participate in multiple tournaments without overlapping calendars. The relevance of each competition will be enhanced, ensuring that each has its own competitive space and mood.
The integration will provide clubs with more options and opportunities to excel, creating a more dynamic and exciting environment for European football. All of these changes reflect UEFA’s commitment to a balanced approach that respects the history of each competition while paving the way for new experiences for teams and their fans.
Benefits for Fans
The new format brings a number of benefits that will enrich the fan experience. These changes are designed to maximise the enjoyment and excitement of the tournament.
Increase in the Number of Matches
The restructuring of the format will allow for a greater number of matches to be held. In the league phase, a total of 225 matches will be played, which represents a significant increase on previous editions. This increase not only provides more opportunities to enjoy top-level football, but also offers a more dynamic and exciting calendar for fans.
- The competition days will run from September to January.
- Fans will be able to follow their teams for a longer period of the season.
- There will be more chances to see Europe’s big clubs in action on a regular basis.
High-Level Clashes from the Start
With the new league system, fans will have the opportunity to witness interesting and competitive matchups from the early rounds. They will not be limited to the later stages of the tournament, ensuring more exciting matches with a high level of competitiveness from the start.
- Duels between great teams will be guaranteed in the initial phase.
- This gives fans the opportunity to enjoy historic rivalries from the very beginning.
- Domestic clashes will be complemented by European matches, enriching the competitive context.
Increase in Excitement and Interest
The new model aims not only to increase the number of matches, but also to maximise the intensity and relevance of each match. With more clubs involved and a structure that will challenge teams from the start, the excitement will be palpable in every round of the league phase.
- Fans will be able to experience a more dynamic and exciting tournament, with teams fighting for every point.
- Each match will have significant implications, which will keep the interest high throughout the competition.
- The new format encourages greater unpredictability, which can lead to some exciting surprises for fans.
Expectations and Preparations for the Premiere
With the arrival of the new format, UEFA has been working hard to ensure a successful launch. Expectations are high, both from the clubs involved and from fans, who are eager to see how this new era of European football will unfold.
UEFA preparation
UEFA has been behind the transformation for more than six years. This process has involved meticulous planning, with multiple factors considered to ensure a successful experience. The organisation has invested significant resources in developing this new system, ensuring that every detail is carefully designed.
To facilitate the transition and ensure that all clubs understand the new format, numerous workshops and seminars have been held. These meetings have allowed clubs to familiarise themselves with the rules and structure of the competition. UEFA is thus seeking to minimise any confusion that may arise before the start of the tournament.
Simulations and Algorithmic Models
As part of their preparation, UEFA has used algorithmic models to simulate different scenarios within the new league phase. Using historical and performance data, they have been able to predict how teams will perform and what impact the new format will have on the overall competition.
Simulations have allowed us to assess not only the viability of the new model, but also the level of emotionality it will generate. Through various scenarios, possible matches and results have been modelled, providing valuable information that guides the final adjustments to the tournament logistics.
Predictions for the New Season
The predictions for the season are optimistic. With a greater number of matches and the evolution of a format that promises more rivalry, a notable increase in media interest is expected. Teams that have historically not had as much prominence will be in the spotlight, which may change the profile of the tournament in the coming years.
Experts have pointed out that this new era could be a catalyst for diversity in European football. The inclusion of more clubs will provide opportunities that were not previously available, which could result in surprises in the results. The new competitive dynamics could make for unforgettable moments for fans from the first matchdays.
- Increase in stadium attendance due to the variety of matches.
- Growing interest in broadcasting, which can translate into larger audiences.
- Greater financial participation from both sponsors and the media.
UEFA is at a crucial stage, with its sights set on ensuring a memorable experience at all levels. The upcoming season promises to be historic, marking the start of a new path in the prestigious European competition.
Author: Rafa Navarro
Director de Formación
