Explaining the New Format of the Champions League
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 19 April 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
New Format of the Champions League
The Champions League was a final holdout clinging to tradition. But next season, the esteemed European football circuit will add more games and revamp its playoff system. The new Champions League format will commence for the 2024/25 season.
Why is the Champions League embracing a new format? Money. More games means more revenue for the Champions League, which is one of the most watched athletic competitions in the world. The new format for Champions League will add 64 additional matches.
These Champions League changes may confuse fans for a while, but the benefits of the new format are worth learning the new rules for 2024/25. For those who bet on the Champions League soccer, the new format may provide fresh opportunities to win in their football betting apps.
Champions League New Format
These new rules and formats will go into effect for the 2024/25 Champions League season. This new format is based on the “Swiss Model,” where teams are thrown into one big group rather than separated into divisions or sub-leagues.
Increase From 32 to 36 Clubs
Four teams will be added to the coveted Champions League. That means four clubs and their fan memberships can thrill at the competition in this esteemed football league, starting in the 2024/25 season when group play begins in mid-September.
The top 24 teams at the end of group play will advance to the knockout stage. That stage serves as essentially the Champions League playoffs, which will begin in January.
Teams that finish group play in the top eight will automatically advance to the round of 16 knockout stage. The teams ranked No. 9 through No. 24 will meet to determine the eight that will earn a place in the round of 16.
In the round of 16 playoffs, the matchups will be played like this:
- No. 9 vs. No. 24
- No. 10 vs. No. 23
- No. 11 vs. No. 22
- No. 12 vs. No. 21
- No. 13 vs. No. 20
- No. 14 vs. No. 19
- No. 15 vs. No. 18
- No. 16 vs. No. 17
There will be no seeding and adjustments for the round of 16, which means fans could see clubs from the same country meeting in that phase of postseason play.
Champions League Qualification Rules
Every season, the UEFA ranks the European football leagues based on their competitive balance, dominance in international play, and quality of play. A “coefficient” score ranks each domestic league in the continent. This forms the basis for qualification for the Champions League. There are also past winner exemptions, and a few other ways clubs can earn entry.
Due to the Champions League changes, four more teams will be invited to the Champions League under the rules changes. Two of those spots will go to teams from the top performing leagues in Europe that did not qualify under the basic qualifications.
One new spot will go to the third-placed team in the 5th ranked UEFA league, based on coefficient. And one spot will go under the “qualifying path for champions,” which already places four teams into the Champions League. The new rules will add a fifth via this method. The qualifying path is based on the best remaining non-qualified teams eligible from the top-rated European leagues for that season.
Groups Have Been Eliminated: One Giant League
No longer are the teams separated into four divisions for standings: starting in 2024/25, Champions League clubs are in one large group, 36 in all. Teams will however, be seeded in “pots.” More on that below.
For purposes of grouping the teams, “pots” will be established. According to the new Champions League format, “Pot 1” will consist of the titleholders of the European Cup. In addition, the eight teams that have the best coefficients will also be included. For Pots 2 t through 4, non-title clubs will be placed in order by coefficient.
Each Team Will Play Eight Fixtures During Group Play
Used to be that Champions League teams played six games in group play. Now that number has been increased to eight. Each club will be placed into a “pot” of four teams that will play their eight fixtures. That pot will be seeded.
As a result of the change to pots, some highly-touted clubs may be placed in the same bundle for group play. We could see traditional rivals meeting each other on the pitch much earlier in the season than we’re used to.
Each club will also face two teams from every other “pot” during the season. Also, each team in the Champions League tournament will now be guaranteed at least 8 games. That’s a departure from the old format. Most teams will likely play as many as 10 games under the new Champions League format.
No Country Protection
Under the Champions League changes, there will no longer be a country protection rule. That means clubs from the same country could meet each other in the group play phase and/or knockout round.
Critics contend the no-country protection clause will favor nations with more clubs. But proponents hope it results in the best teams getting the best possible matchups. Ultimately, the elimination of a country protection rule allows the framers of the Champions League to schedule the most fair and competitive matches.
History of Champions League Format
The UEFA Champions League, often referred to simply as the Champions League, stands as one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated football competitions globally. Its history is rich with memorable moments, iconic matches, and the crowning of footballing legends.
Starting in 2024/25, a new Champions League format will begin, and 36 teams will compete for the coveted title.
The tournament traces its roots back to the early 1950s when the idea of a pan-European club competition was first discussed. The initiative was taken by journalists Gabriel Hanot and Jacques Ferran, who envisioned a competition that would bring together the best clubs from across the continent. The inaugural season took place in 1955-1956 under the name of the European Cup. The format was straightforward, with knockout rounds leading to a final. Real Madrid emerged as the first champions, setting the stage for a competition that would capture the imagination of football fans worldwide.
The early years of the European Cup were dominated by Real Madrid, who clinched the trophy in the first five seasons. This period solidified the competition’s standing and established the allure of the trophy. However, as the years progressed, the format evolved, incorporating group stages to complement the knockout rounds, adding an extra layer of competition and drama.
The 1980s saw a shift in the balance of power, with clubs like AC Milan and Liverpool asserting their dominance. Liverpool, managed by the legendary Bob Paisley and later Joe Fagan, enjoyed a particularly successful spell, claiming four titles in the space of seven seasons. Meanwhile, AC Milan, under the guidance of Arrigo Sacchi, introduced a brand of attacking football that earned them consecutive titles in 1989 and 1990.
The 1992-1993 season marked a significant turning point with the rebranding of the competition to the UEFA Champions League. The alteration also brought changes to the qualification criteria and the introduction of the group stage, further intensifying the competition. This era witnessed the emergence of new powerhouses, with FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich etching their names in the tournament’s history.
One of the most memorable finals occurred in 1999 when Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback against Bayern Munich in injury time, scoring two goals to secure a 2-1 victory. This iconic moment encapsulated the spirit and drama that the Champions League has come to symbolize.
The 21st century continued to showcase the tournament’s global appeal and competitive nature. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid added another layer of excitement, with both clubs achieving remarkable success. Barcelona, led by Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta, enjoyed a golden period, securing multiple titles in the 2000s. Real Madrid, in turn, dominated the competition in the mid-2010s, clinching three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018.
In recent years, the Champions League has continued to captivate football enthusiasts with thrilling encounters, unexpected upsets, and the rise of new stars. The tournament’s history contributes to its status as the pinnacle of European club football. The UEFA Champions League remains an ever-evolving spectacle, with a new format for the 2024/25 competition.
