New Champions League Format Introduced for 2024 Season

The UEFA Champions League is set to undergo a significant transformation starting in the 2024 season, marking the first format change in 21 years. Previously, the tournament featured 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, where the top two would advance to the knockout stage.

This year, however, the number of participating teams has increased to 36, and the draw will no longer create groups. Instead, teams will compete in a league phase, allowing each club to engage in eight matches against a variety of opponents.

The new structure introduces several key features. Clubs placed 25 to 36 in the league table will be eliminated in January, while those ranked 9 to 24 will have the opportunity to compete in knockout phase playoffs in February. The top eight teams will directly qualify for the round of 16, which is scheduled to take place in March.

Another notable change is the elimination of the possibility to drop into the UEFA Europa League from the Champions League. Once a team is eliminated from the Champions League, they are out of European competition for the season.

The pots used for the draw have been adjusted as well. Previously, Pot 1 included the Champions League and Europa League holders and champions from the top six domestic leagues. Now, only the Champions League titleholders will be placed in Pot 1, with all other positions determined by the UEFA club coefficient rankings.

As part of the new format, each team will be required to play two matches against opponents from each of the four pots, enhancing the competitive nature of the league phase. Additionally, clubs will not be able to face teams from their own league or more than two clubs from the same country.

The draw ceremony has also been revamped to accommodate the complexities of the new format. An ex-player will draw teams from each pot, while a computer will automatically assign eight opponents based on draw constraints, including home and away games.

The first matches of the league phase are scheduled to begin in September, with the final matchday in January determining the standings for the knockout round playoffs. This adjustment allows for multiple high-stakes fixtures across the matchdays, enriching the overall tournament experience for fans.