EXPLAINED: UEFA reveal new Champions League format from 2024

UEFA have confirmed their plans to change the format of the Champions League. Their initial proposal has been changed, and the new format will be seen from the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Changes to the Champions League’s structure 

The number of teams will be increased from 32 to 36. But, teams will only play two extra games than they do right now. Which means that each team in the competition will play four home games and four away games. 

The points system for winning, losing and drawing remains the same. The top eight teams with the most points will qualify for the knockout stages automatically. The teams ranked 9-26 will be competing in playoffs to determine who makes it through. The remaining ten teams will be eliminated. 

Changes to the Champions League qualification process 

UEFA’s initial proposal of having extra teams qualify based on their historical performance in the Champions League was met with harsh criticism. As a result, they have scrapped the idea altogether. 

The governing body has also defined how the increased spots will be allotted in the Champions League. 

• One place will go to the club ranked third in the championship of the association in fifth position in the UEFA national association ranking.

• One place will be awarded to a domestic champion by extending from four to five the number of clubs qualifying via the so-called “Champions Path”. 

• The final two places will go to the associations with the best collective performance by their clubs in the previous season (total number of points obtained divided by the number of participating clubs). Those two associations will earn one place for the club best ranked in the domestic league behind the UEFA Champions League positions.