The Champions League proper is set to return next month with a brand new format in place. The introduction of the ‘Swiss Model’ will bring significant changes to the draw process and the overall structure of UEFA’s premier club competition.
In the past, the Champions League featured eight groups of four teams each. However, the new format will see all 36 participating teams placed in one massive table, similar to the Swiss system used in chess. Each team will play a total of eight matches in the league phase, facing a different opponent in each game. This will result in a total of 189 matches throughout the competition, culminating in the final in Munich on May 31.
The new format aims to increase the competitiveness of fixtures from the start of the tournament. Teams from pot one, which includes big names like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, will face each other earlier in the competition. Additionally, teams in pot four will have more opportunities to earn points by playing against other teams from the same pot.
After the completion of the league phase in late January, the top eight teams in the table will qualify directly for the knockout round, while the remaining eight spots will be determined through play-off matches. The round of 16 and beyond will be seeded, ensuring that teams finishing first and second in the league phase do not face each other until the final.
The draw for the league phase will feature four pots of nine teams each, seeded by coefficient. The draw process will be mostly automated, with each team being paired with eight opponents and assigned home and away fixtures. Teams from the same nation will not face each other in the first phase, with strict rules in place to prevent such matchups.
To ensure a smooth and secure draw process, UEFA has partnered with AE Live to develop the software for the draw. Additionally, Ernst and Young will provide an extra layer of assurance and transparency by monitoring the software and draw operations.
The draw will be livestreamed on UEFA’s website and broadcast on their partner networks, with the event set to take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on August 29. Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions League draw and the upcoming fixtures.
