Nyon: May 10 (IANS) Following consultations with game stakeholders, the executive committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Tuesday confirmed a new format for the Champions League from the start of the 2024-season. 25.
The reformatted group stage would still grow from 32 to 36 teams from 2024, but the number of rounds will only increase from six to eight per team instead of 10.
The Europa League will also follow the format of the new Champions League with eight games in the league phase. Previously there was a plan that each team would play 10 games at that point in the competition as part of the new “Swiss model”.
“The eight UEFA Champions League matches will be played during the ten European weeks provided for by the decision made in April 2021. The UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League will enjoy one exclusive calendar week.” UEFA said in a statement.
“The four additional places created by the increase from 32 to 36 teams in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League will be allocated,” he added.
Commenting on the decisions, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: “UEFA has clearly shown today that we are fully committed to upholding the fundamental values of sport and upholding the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on in sports merit, totally in line with the values and the European sports model based on solidarity.
“Today’s decisions conclude an extensive consultation process during which we listened to the ideas of fans, players, coaches, national associations, clubs and leagues, to name just a few, with the aim of finding the best solution for the development and success of the team. of Europe. football, both at national and international club level,” he added.