Champions League, again significant changes in format, return to old rules

UEFA is considering implementing some significant changes to the new Champions League format, which came into effect this season, with a new 36-team league stage before the knockout stage begins.

According to what the German daily "Bild" reports, there are three main proposals on the table of the UEFA Executive Committee that are being seriously considered:

1. Home field advantage for the best

The two teams that finish first and second in the league stage will have the advantage of playing the second leg of their semi-final. Meanwhile, the top four teams will gain this advantage in the quarter-finals. With this change, UEFA aims to extend the reward for teams that excel in the first stage, a benefit that currently only applies to the round of 16.

In the event of a draw in the aggregate score after the second leg, no additional 30 minutes will be played. To avoid physical strain on the players, the matches will go straight to penalties.

3. Confrontation within the same championship is prohibited.

Another change being discussed is the reinstatement of the rule that prohibits matches between teams from the same league until the quarter-finals. Currently, teams from the same nationality can face each other in the play-offs, before the round of 16, as has happened this season. However, this idea remains the most difficult to implement due to the complexities of the draw.

All these changes are expected to be discussed on 30 May, during the UEFA Executive Committee meeting, just one day before the 2024/25 Champions League final, which will take place in Munich. If approved, these rules will significantly transform the way Europe's most prestigious club competition is experienced, making the league stage a crucial element in each team's journey.

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