UEFA are set to follow a new Champions League format from the current season, 2024/25. There is still confusion among fans regarding how this new model works. This Guide for new Champions League model will help the fans to understand this new concept. The old system of group stages will be replaced by a league format with each team playing eight matches against different opponents. Four matches will be home and other will be away games. This model is known as the “Swiss Model”. The top eight teams will qualify directly for the knockout stages and the other 16 teams will play in a playoff round.
The knockout stages will be similar from the Round of 16 to the finals. This system has been implemented to get more anticipated matches between two big clubs. In the earlier idea, two places were reserved for teams based on historical performance rather than their recent success. This idea caused outrage among clubs and fans due to injustice to smaller clubs. This new format guaranteed two matches against teams from the same pot. Fans are excited to see a clash between two big clubs in the earlier stages.
Chances of success for the new Champions League format
The idea of the Super League was dropped due to the fear of turning football into a business. However, this new format can keep big clubs and smaller clubs happy. Big clubs can profit from big matches through ticket sales while the other clubs get a fair chance to win. There are still chances of a fairytale run or an underdog story to keep the fans excited. However, this new model also comes with potential drawbacks for clubs and players. There will be 144 games to eliminate 12 teams in the qualification stage of the tournament.
Clubs from the top five leagues are already suffering from a tight schedule. Last season, the number of injuries made it difficult for clubs to play every competition seriously. This is even more difficult for smaller clubs that don’t boast a great squad depth. According to Giorgio Marchetti, Uefa’s deputy secretary general, the original plan contained 10 group‑stage fixtures. However, this can make it difficult for players in the later knockout stages of the tournament. Clubs want to compete in the European tournaments with their best squad.
Will the new format become permanent in the future?
The new “Swiss Model” of the Champions League will apply till 2027. There is no confirmation regarding the new format being permanent in the future. Giorgio Marchetti thinks this new format will satisfy both the clubs and the fans in the long term. However, the deputy general has not committed to this idea for the future. Many big clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City will be happy with this format and the revenue it will generate in the long term. However, it can be difficult for smaller clubs to finish in the top 24 of the qualification stage with their tight schedule. Moreover, how the draw will take place to select the fixtures?
The old concept of picking balls from a bowl will be discontinued from now. In the new method, each team will be drawn out by hand before the software chooses the eight opponents for every team. No club can play another team from their domestic league or more than two games against sides from the same country. Fans are concerned about the security issues of this new draw system. There are concerns about the system being rigged for bigger clubs. However, Dave Gill, the chief executive of AE Live software has ensured the fan’s safety and authenticity of this system.
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