UEFA has announced the changes which will come into effect to the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League from the 2024/25 season. In an attempt to increase the level of competitiveness for clubs, players, and fans alike UEFA has taken the decision to revamp what we knew as the “group stage”.
Up until now, the Champions League and the other two competitions’ group stage was comprised of 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. From next season, the tournaments will be extended to 36 clubs participating in what will be called the league phase, replacing the traditional group stage format, presenting four more teams with the chance to compete against Europe’s finest.
📅 Dates for the diary!
2024/25 UEFA Champions League: draws, matches, final 👇#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 4, 2024
UEFA’s President Aleksander Ceferin could not hide his delight and shared: “I am really pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues, and national associations all agreeing with the proposal. Another proof that European football is more united than ever.”
During the league phase, the clubs will face eight different teams, one time each. Every side will play 4 home and 4 away games, an increase from 6 to 8 matches before the direct eliminations, when compared to the current format.
The change promises to bring fresh excitement and challenges to the continental tournaments. Observing the fans’ reactions will be particularly intriguing, considering the backlash against the proposed establishment of the European Super League not long ago.