The Champions League reform
All about the new tournament mode from 2024
Thiago Calderaro
The UEFA Champions League is on the cusp of one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1955. From the 2024/25 season, the tournament mode will be fundamentally revised to make the competition more dynamic, inclusive, and appealing to all stakeholders. This redesign is set to significantly impact the landscape of European club football, albeit whether positively or negatively remains to be seen.
Expansion of Participant Numbers and Allocation of Additional Starting Places
Firstly, the number of participating teams will increase from 32 to 36. This adjustment allows more clubs from smaller leagues to participate in Europe's most prestigious club competition. The allocation of the four additional starting places follows specific criteria: one slot is awarded to the club finishing third in the league of the association ranked fifth by the UEFA coefficient ranking. Another place is allocated to a national champion, increasing the number of clubs qualifying through the champions' path from four to five. The remaining two slots are awarded to the associations whose teams performed the best in the previous European cup season.
Abolition of the Traditional Group Stage in Favour of a League Phase
One of the most noticeable changes is the abolition of the traditional group stage, replaced by a league phase in which all 36 teams are represented in a single table. Each team plays eight matches - four at home and four away - against eight different opponents. These opponents are drawn from four different pots based on the UEFA coefficient, ensuring a wide variety of encounters.
Qualification for the Knockout Stage and the new Structure
The top eight teams from the league phase directly qualify for the knockout stage. Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a play-off round to determine the remaining eight places in the knockout stage. Teams ranked 25th to 36th exit the competition without descending to the UEFA Europa League. From the round of 16 onwards, the tournament continues in the familiar knockout system, with the final being held at a neutral venue. Similar to the Champions League, the UEFA Europa League will also expand its league phase to eight matchdays from the 2024/25 season. This means, like in the Champions League, each team in the league phase will play eight matches - four at home and four away - against eight different opponents. The UEFA Europa Conference League, the newest addition to European club football, will also undergo adjustments, though with fewer matchdays in the league phase compared to the Champions League and Europa League. Teams in the Europa Conference League will play six matches in the league phase - three at home and three away - against six different opponents. This structure continues to offer participating teams from smaller leagues the opportunity to compete at a European level while ensuring a balanced number of matches that consider the players' workload.
Financial Distribution
UEFA plans to distribute the competition's revenue - including TV rights, sponsorship, and ticket sales - using a new key. A significant portion of the revenue will still go to the participating clubs, based on their performance in the competitions and a starting bonus. Additionally, a larger share of the total revenue is earmarked for the broader development of football. A specific portion of the revenue will be allocated to national leagues and grassroots football to support the sport's development at the national level. This might involve funding youth academies, infrastructure projects, or programs to promote women's football. The rationale behind this new financial distribution model is multifaceted. On one hand, UEFA acknowledges the need to reduce the financial gap between the wealthiest clubs and the rest. On the other hand, it aims to ensure football's sustainable growth in all member states. By directing a part of the revenue towards the development of grassroots football and supporting national leagues, UEFA intends to strengthen football's foundation across Europe.
Discussion on the Reform
The debate around the Champions League reform is multifaceted. Supporters like UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin highlight the innovations' benefits for inclusivity and sporting fairness. Critics, including prominent managers like Jürgen Klopp, raise legitimate concerns about the additional burden on players due to more matches. Fans and national leagues worry about increasing football commercialisation and potential negative impacts on national competitions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the reform's success will be measured by how it enhances the Champions League as a showcase of European club football, boosts its global appeal, and ensures the competition continues to captivate fans worldwide. While the changes will require an adjustment period, anticipation for more encounters with diverse teams is high, and there is hope that the competition will become better and more exciting for all involved.
3. https://www.kicker.de/fast-alles-neu-so-laeuft-die-champions-league-ab-2024-25-958857/artikel
5. https://www.zeit.de/news/2023-12/31/reformen-neue-wettbewerbe-das-aendert-sich-2024-im-fussball
