A bold development of Europe’s most prestigious club competition is again on the horizon. Following a dramatic reformation of the UEFA Champions League this season, which saw before a phase in 36-team league style, UEFA can already consider further changes that can significantly reshape the future of the tournament. Among them is a particularly controversial idea: The potential removal of extra time.
These discussions, driven by concern about the player’s workload and justice in the new structure, have received both clubs and fans’ attention. The UEFA Committee is scheduled to meet in Munich on May 30 to consider three important proposals.
Interestingly, the Champions League is not stranger for evolution. This year’s review, which shifted away from the traditional group phase to a Swiss league format, was already a monumental change. It allowed teams to meet more opponents in the first phase and introduced a new dynamic for qualification for the knockout scenes.
But according to the German outlet FormUEFA may not be done. “The Confederation has finally decided to consider abolishing extra time,” they report. “If the score is tied after 90 minutes of the other leg, the team will go directly to a penalty kick.”
The three major proposed changes
As the season approaches its conclusion, clubs and officials turn their eyes to the next iteration of the competition. Three proposed amendments is currently being discussed by the UEFA Committee:
No extra time in knockout rounds
This change is perhaps the most dramatic. UEFA is Given to eliminate extra time in all knockout matchesfrom the round of 16. The goal is to Reduce the player’s fatigueEspecially when elite football players meet overloaded fixture lists due to overlapping domestic competitions, European tournaments and an extended club this summer.
“To relieve this to some extent,“ writing FormThe “There is a proposal to abolish extra time … This would ensure less load and the opportunity to get better for matches in their domestic leagues.”
However, this proposal is resisting from those who claim that extra time offers more opportunities for advertising revenue Under broadcasts-boat via television and exposure at Stadion. In an era where commercial interests weigh heavily on sports decisions, it is unclear if UEFA will follow through.
Larger home advantage for top 8 teams
The current rules grant Top eight teams from the league phase automatic passage to the round of 16, along with privilege to play the return leg at home. Now Uefa weighs the idea of Extend this advantage Deeper into the tournament.
If approved, top-eight finisher would do so retain the home advantage in the other leg not only in the round of 16 but also in The quarterfinals and semi -finalsAssuming they meet an opponent who qualified through the playoffs.
This would further reward strong achievements in the early phase and offer A strategic advantage in matches with high stakesWhere home support and familiar surroundings can be crucial.
Return of “national protection” in the round of 16
In the renewed format, Clubs from the same country can now meet each other already in the round of 16-A change from the previous 32 team format, where such clashes were prohibited to the quarter finals.
This year it led to bands that PSG vs. BrestAs some considered overwhelming from a European competition point of view. UEFA is now considering Reintroduce the rule of “national protection” to prevent domestic clashes until the last eight.
According to FormThe “This is considered disadvantageous and too early … The brotherly clashes would only start from the quarter finals.”
