UEFA is considering restructuring the Champions League format.
With the anniversary of the Modus Revolution approaching, modifications to the Champions League format are under consideration. As reported by Sport Bild, the UEFA Executive Committee has proposed a notable adjustment: should it be approved, the top eight teams from the group stage would enjoy home advantage throughout the knockout rounds against lower-ranked opponents, a privilege currently only extended to the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Austrian footballer Marko Arnautovic expressed his anticipation towards the final on the heels of the revolutionary changes. He commented, "My career has seen many mountains." The suggested changes, however, are still pending approval from the UEFA Executive Committee, as well as the Committee for Club Competitions.
The Champions League underwent its most significant transformation in 25 years, rebranding as the Modus Revolution, and shifting from an eight-group system to a single league of 36 teams. Each club plays eight matches in the league phase, two against opponents from each of the seeding pots, with one at home and one away, subject to rules limiting matches against teams from the same country.
In the new structure, the top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16, with the second leg at home for these teams. The remaining 24 teams engage in a playoff round, competing for a place in the last 16. The final league phase matches take place simultaneously, heightening the drama and unpredictability of the competition.
The Champions League revamp aims to increase competitiveness, with the new format promising more high-profile clashes between elite clubs and minimizing meaningless matches. Every match and every goal holds significant importance, and the simultaneous final matchday creates a thrilling, decisive atmosphere.
Stakeholders, including clubs, players, fans, and commercial partners, have generally voiced positive feedback regarding the new format, expressing optimism that it will remain in place for years to come. Notable features of the revamped Champions League include the introduction of playoff rounds for those ranked 9th–24th in the league phase and the Champions’ Path, that accounts for the automatic entry of the previous season’s Champions League winners if they have not already qualified through domestic competition.
As the format continues to evolve in response to feedback and challenges, potential adjustments may follow, such as tweaks to scheduling or match allocation, expanded knockout stages, or new commercial or broadcast initiatives aimed at enhancing the fan experience. The new Champions League format seeks to maintain its presence as a lead player in club football, ensuring that every match matters and offering a fresh, engaging experience for all stakeholders.
In light of the upcoming anniversary of the Modus Revolution, the UEFA Executive Committee is proposing a change in the Champions League format, allowing the top eight teams from the group stage to have home advantage throughout the knockout rounds against lower-ranked opponents. This adjustment, if approved, would extend a current privilege only granted in the round of 16.
The revamped Champions League, branded as the Modus Revolution, has also introduced the Champions’ Path, providing automatic entry for the previous season's Champions League winners if they have not already qualified through domestic competition. These adjustments aim to increase competitiveness and offer a fresh, engaging experience for all stakeholders.
