UEFA considers one of many largest rule modifications ever for Champions League knockout phases

UEFA is actively contemplating a dramatic rule change to the Champions League format, doubtlessly eliminating further time from knockout-round matches. This proposed alteration, reported by The Guardian, goals to deal with rising considerations over fixture congestion for elite gamers, an issue exacerbated by the latest enlargement of the match and the introduction of the revamped Membership World Cup. The sheer quantity of matches demanded of high gamers is turning into unsustainable.

This season’s Champions League launched a controversial new league section, changing the normal group stage. This transformation added two matchdays, requiring groups to play eight matches towards eight completely different opponents within the first spherical. Whereas it’s nonetheless early to evaluate the total penalties, the elevated workload is already inflicting concern amongst gamers and managers.

The enlargement, mixed with the newly restructured Membership World Cup, which can function 12 European groups this 12 months, considerably will increase the general variety of fixtures high gamers are required to take part in. This unprecedented degree of fixture congestion prompted UEFA to discover radical options to alleviate the pressure on the gamers’ bodily and psychological well-being.

Eliminating further time: A daring proposal

To mitigate fixture congestion, UEFA is significantly exploring the potential for eradicating further time from Champions League knockout matches. As a substitute of the normal 30-minute further time interval after a draw, matches would proceed on to a penalty shootout if the rating stays tied after two legs of regulation time. This daring proposition, ought to it’s adopted, would signify some of the vital rule modifications within the Champions League’s historical past.

The present TV rights cycle for the Champions League extends till 2027, making it extremely unlikely that any such rule change can be applied earlier than the 2027/28 season. Nevertheless, the likelihood has not been solely dominated out. This potential adjustment follows earlier strikes to deal with fixture congestion, such because the elimination of replays in home cup competitions just like the FA Cup.

Eliminating further time from the Champions League can be a big step, comparable in affect to the elimination of the away objectives rule in 2021. It will construct upon the choice made in 2023 to eradicate the additional half-hour from the UEFA Tremendous Cup.

The potential for such vital alteration displays UEFA’s concern about participant welfare and the escalating calls for of the trendy soccer calendar. The group is clearly in search of a stability between sustaining the competitors’s pleasure and making certain the long-term well being of its members.

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