UEFA is reportedly considering another change to the Champions League format, this time by eliminating extra time from knockout matches and proceeding directly to penalty shootouts in the event of a draw. The proposal comes after the introduction of a new league phase this season, which added two additional matchdays to the European calendar, increasing the strain on players.
The new format replaced the traditional group stage with a 36-team league phase, where clubs play eight matches against different opponents. The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those ranked ninth to 24th compete in a knockout play-off round. This expansion has exacerbated fixture congestion, prompting players' unions to complain to UEFA about burnout.
According to the Guardian, UEFA is exploring the idea of scrapping extra time in two-legged knockout ties as a way to lighten the burden on players. The change would see drawn matches go straight to a penalty shootout, a move long advocated by players' unions. Similar concessions have already been made in domestic competitions, such as the scrapping of FA Cup replays this season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been vocal about the packed fixture schedule, particularly after his team failed to qualify automatically for the Champions League last 16 and now faces a play-off against Real Madrid. Guardiola sarcastically remarked on the timing of fixtures, saying, 'They are always so kind with the calendar.'
Any alteration to the Champions League format would need approval from UEFA's executive committee and is unlikely to be implemented before the current television rights cycle ends in 2027.
