The Champions League will look different than the 2024/25 season.
The number of teams has been increased from 32 to 36 – and the group game has been cancelled.
– We are convinced that this will improve, says UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.
With less than three weeks to go before this season’s Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, UEFA is now announcing that the tournament will fundamentally change from the 2024/25 season.
The biggest change? The group game has been cancelled.
36 teams in one league match
Unlike the current system where 32 teams are drawn into eight different groups, in the future 36 teams will settle into a sort of league game where everyone can meet everyone.
- Eight matches will be played (four at home and four away). Who will meet is determined by lottery.
- The Big Eight go straight to the playoffs.
- Those who come from 9th to 24th place play the playoffs over two matches (at home/away) for the remaining eight places in the playoffs.
As for the additional four places in the championship, two of them go to the two countries that had the best performances last season. Third place goes to the third-best team in the fifth-highest-ranked league. Fourth place is determined by the playoffs.
“Better Balance”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin says the following about the changes:
Today’s decision is the result of an extensive process where we heard the thoughts of fans, players, coaches, national associations and leagues. We are convinced that the new format will provide a better balance and at the same time increase the revenue of clubs, leagues and popular football throughout our continent and also increase the value of the attraction for all our leagues.
The changes will apply to the Champions League, European League and Conference League.