The UEFA Champions League is poised for a significant overhaul starting from the 2024-25 season with the introduction of the “Swiss model.” This innovative change represents a departure from the conventional group stage format, ushering in a more inclusive and dynamic structure.
According to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, “UEFA has clearly shown that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model.” Ceferin expressed satisfaction that the unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, supported by the European Club Association, European Leagues, and national associations, underscores the unity of European football.
An exciting new era for European club football awaits 🤩
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 4, 2024
Here’s how the #UCL will look from 2024/25 👇 pic.twitter.com/mEffFOpX2O
In the new arrangement, the Champions League is set to expand its group stage to accommodate 36 teams, a step up from the current 32. This modification aims to provide a more diverse representation of clubs, fostering heightened competition and excitement throughout the tournament. The crux of this reformation lies in the league-phase fixtures, guaranteeing each participating team eight matches—four at their home ground and four away.
This configuration stands in stark contrast to the previous structure, where teams were sorted into eight groups of four, engaging in six games through a double round-robin system. Under the revised format, teams will not encounter three opponents twice; instead, they will face eight different teams, introducing a range of matchups and diminishing the predictability of the encounters.
These matchups are determined through a draw that organizes the 36 teams into four pots according to their UEFA coefficients. Each club is then scheduled to face two teams from each pot, a method designed to maintain competition balance and generate early “big matches,” thereby elevating the tournament’s appeal and intensity. The resulting standings will be consolidated into a unified league table, and the top eight teams will automatically progress to the round of 16.
Teams securing positions between ninth and 24th will partake in a two-legged knockout play-off to vie for the remaining eight spots in the last 16, introducing an additional layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition. Notably, there will be no country protection during the knockout rounds, potentially setting the stage for domestic clashes in the latter stages of the tournament.
This comprehensive restructuring also addresses the allocation of extra slots in the Champions League. Two positions will be granted to clubs from the highest-performing leagues in Europe, based on their performance in the current season, while another spot will be awarded to the third-placed team in the league ranked fifth in the UEFA coefficient. Additionally, the qualifying path for champions will expand from four to five teams, ensuring broader participation from teams across the continent.
The implementation of the Swiss model is motivated by the aim to have more matches, leading to greater revenue and more prestigious clashes among Europe’s top clubs. By reducing the initial proposal from ten to eight group-stage fixtures, UEFA has successfully found a middle ground, expanding the tournament while efficiently managing the football calendar.
As the Champions League enters this fresh phase, spectators can anticipate a competition that guarantees a greater variety of pairings, intensified competition, and an overall improved viewing experience. Undoubtedly, the 2024-25 season will herald the commencement of an exhilarating chapter in the storied history of European club football.