UEFA Champions League 2024-25: New Format, More Matches

New Format for the Champions League

The UEFA Champions League is set to undergo a major change in format for the 2024-25 season, with the number of teams in the group stage increasing from 32 to 36.

Additional Four Teams to Qualify

The additional four places in the group stage will be filled by the European Performance Ranking, which takes into account the performance of clubs in European competitions over the past five years.

More Matches and a New Play-off Round

The new format will also see the number of matches in the group stage increase from six to eight, with each team playing four home and four away matches. A new play-off round will also be introduced, with the eighth-placed team in each group facing the ninth-placed team in another group for a place in the round of 16.

Impact on Fans

The changes are expected to have a significant impact on fans, with more matches and a more competitive group stage. The new format is also likely to lead to more upsets and surprises, as the smaller teams will have a better chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Impact on UEFA

The new format for the Champions League is also expected to have a significant impact on UEFA, the governing body of European football. The increased number of matches is likely to lead to increased revenue for UEFA, which will be able to sell more television rights and tickets.