After 2024, all three European Club Cup events will change format. Instead of 32 participating teams, as it was until now, a total of 36 teams will participate in the Champions League from the next edition.
The UEFA Season Rankings give an extra place to the top two leagues. 8 matches are played in the group, instead of the usual 6 duels. No return matches, but 8 direct opponents decided by group draw. The 36 teams will be drawn into 4 groups of 9 teams, based on the club rankings, with the league champions as the group heads.
So 36 teams, divided into 4 groups of 9 teams, based on the ranking of clubs in UEFA, will play 8 matches in each group. There is no second leg, but 8 opponents decided by the draw to be made in August in Monte Carlo. After the group matches, the best 8 in the ranking go directly to the 1/16 round.
Those from 9th to 16th place face those ranked from 17th to 24th place. The 8 winners reach the 1/8 finals.
The teams that are eliminated no longer have the chance to go down to the Europa League. There will be only one draw, the one in August after the 36 teams are determined. A minimum of 15 games to win the Champions League, unlike the 13 that were played before.
The new system also revolutionizes the Europa League and the Conference League. These two tournaments will also have the same formula with 36 teams. It remains to be seen how it will work in reality.
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