The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season will usher in a groundbreaking new format, the biggest change in the competition’s structure in over two decades. In an effort to keep the tournament fresh, exciting, and better suited to the ever-evolving landscape of European football, UEFA has introduced a "Swiss Model" format that will see major alterations to the group stage and the overall structure of the competition. Here’s what you need to know about the revamped Champions League and how it will impact teams, players, and fans.
What Is Changing?
The most significant change is the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 36 teams, and the elimination of the traditional group stage format. Under the old system, teams were drawn into eight groups of four, playing six matches (home and away against each opponent) to determine who advanced to the knockout stages. That format will now be replaced by a single league table where all 36 teams will compete in a "mini-league" format.
Instead of playing just three other teams, each club will play eight different opponents during the league phase—four home matches and four away matches. The teams won’t play all 35 other clubs but will face a selection of teams based on seeding and rankings, ensuring a balance of competition between top-tier teams and less prominent sides.
Swiss Model Format Explained
The Swiss Model is a system that has been used in chess and other sports tournaments. It allows for more teams to compete without every team having to face each other. In the Champions League’s version of the Swiss Model, each team plays eight matches in the league phase, and the results from these matches contribute to a single league table. The teams will be ranked based on their points, with traditional tie-breaking rules like goal difference coming into play.
At the end of this league phase, the top 8 teams will automatically qualify for the round of 16. Teams ranked from 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff round, where they will compete for the remaining eight spots in the knockout stages. From the round of 16 onward, the competition will follow the familiar format of two-legged knockout ties, leading up to the final, which will remain a single match at a neutral venue.
More Matches, More Excitement
One of the most immediate consequences of the new format is an increase in the number of matches. Each team will now play at least eight matches in the league phase, compared to the previous six. This means more football for fans to enjoy, but it also adds complexity to the teams’ schedules, particularly in an already congested European football calendar. The increase in games could raise concerns about player fatigue, especially for clubs competing in multiple competitions.
From a fan's perspective, the new format promises more variety in the matchups. Instead of playing the same three teams twice, clubs will now face a wider range of opponents, increasing the likelihood of exciting clashes between Europe’s elite clubs in the earlier stages of the competition.
Why the Change?
UEFA’s decision to overhaul the Champions League comes amid growing pressure to adapt to changing market conditions and fan preferences. The European Super League controversy in 2021 sent shockwaves through European football, and this new format is seen by some as a compromise between UEFA and Europe’s top clubs, giving them more high-profile matches while preserving the competition’s integrity.
Financially, the expansion and increased number of matches will generate more revenue through broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals. For UEFA, this move strengthens the competition’s global appeal, ensuring that more fans tune in for marquee matchups throughout the season.
Impact on Clubs and Players
While the new format offers more excitement, it also poses challenges. The extended league phase means more matches and travel for players, which could lead to fatigue, injuries, and an increased need for squad rotation. Clubs with deeper rosters, particularly those with significant financial backing, may benefit from this change, as they will be better equipped to handle the demands of a longer competition.
Smaller clubs, meanwhile, will have a better shot at facing Europe’s top teams in the league phase, which could boost their exposure and revenue. However, the Swiss Model also raises questions about competitive balance, as it favors bigger clubs by guaranteeing more high-profile games.
