UEFA is actively considering eliminating extra time from the Champions League knockout rounds, potentially shifting matches directly to penalties. This move aims to reduce the overall minutes played by top clubs, helping to alleviate the strain of an increasingly packed football calendar.

Although any immediate changes are unlikely due to the ongoing television rights cycle, which runs until 2027, the idea is gaining traction among key stakeholders.

Addressing Fixture Congestion

With the Champions League expanding to a new format where each team plays a minimum of eight group-stage matches, concerns over fixture congestion have intensified.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – Champions League – Phase Draw 2024 – Grimaldi Forum, Monaco – August 29, 2024 General view of the trophy ahead of the draw REUTERS/Manon Cruz/File Photo

Additionally, 12 European clubs will participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer, further burdening players with an exhausting schedule. Many adjustments to the packed calendar have primarily come at the domestic level, such as the scrapping of FA Cup replays in England. Removing extra time in UEFA competitions could be another step toward easing player workload.

Potential Impact on Smaller Clubs

For underdog teams, abolishing extra time could level the playing field. These sides often struggle to maintain their intensity against elite clubs with deep squads, particularly in extended matches.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and coach Carlo Ancelotti after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

By eliminating extra time, UEFA could provide a fairer competitive environment, allowing smaller teams to hold their ground without suffering fatigue-related disadvantages.

Broadcaster and Commercial Considerations

Cutting the additional 30 minutes from matches may also benefit broadcasters, who face the challenge of adjusting schedules for games that unexpectedly extend beyond regular time. A shift to immediate penalty shootouts could enhance the dramatic appeal of knockout matches while ensuring a more predictable broadcast structure. This change could also align with modern audiences’ preference for fast-paced, high-stakes football moments.

Precedents and UEFA’s Stance

While UEFA has yet to formally propose the rule change, it has previously removed extra time from the Super Cup starting in 2023. The organization also eliminated the away goals rule in 2021, signaling a willingness to evolve competition formats. Last season, only three Champions League knockout ties required extra time, with none extending beyond regulation in the 2022-23 season. In the Europa League, the number of games going into extra time has also declined. These trends suggest that scrapping the additional 30 minutes may not be as radical a shift as it once seemed.

For now, UEFA maintains that discussions are informal, and any decision would require approval from its executive committee. However, with fixture congestion, player welfare, and commercial interests at play, the prospect of a Champions League knockout phase without extra time is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility.

FAQs

Why is UEFA considering removing extra time from the Champions League?

UEFA is exploring this change to reduce player fatigue and ease fixture congestion, especially with the expanded Champions League format and FIFA Club World Cup adding more matches to the calendar.

When could UEFA implement the extra time removal rule?

Any changes are unlikely before 2027 due to the ongoing television rights cycle, but discussions are gaining momentum among key stakeholders.

How would scrapping extra time impact smaller teams?

Underdog clubs may benefit, as they often struggle with fatigue in extra-time periods against top-tier teams with deeper squads.

Will broadcasters support the removal of extra time?

Yes, broadcasters might favor the change as it ensures a more predictable schedule while enhancing the drama of penalty shootouts.

Has UEFA previously removed extra time from any competition?

Yes, UEFA eliminated extra time from the Super Cup in 2023 and scrapped the away goals rule in 2021, signaling a trend toward competition format changes.