‘Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football
UEFA’S new Champions League format has been slammed by fans for “ruining” football.
European football’s governing body have confirmed the new layout for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
The changes are set to come into effect from the start of next season.
A new 36-team league phase in each competition will replace the current 32-team group stages.
However, fans are unconvinced by the changes and have even compared the new format to the failed European Super League.
One angry supporter wrote on X: “Super league by another name.”
Another added: “They’re ruining the beautiful game.”
A third fan also commented: “So it’s the Super League in disguise.”
Meanwhile, one more said: “Basically the Super League.”
Next season’s changes will see teams in the Champions League and Europa League play eight matches home and away during the league phase.
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These fixtures will be against two sides drawn from each of the seeding pots.
Clubs in the Conference League, however, will play six times during the league phase.
The top eight after all matches advance directly to the round of 16, where the competitions will follow home and away legs before a one-off final.
Teams finishing 17th to 24th will have to come through a play-off round to complete the last 16 line-up.
Finally, the bottom eight sides at the end of the league phase are eliminated from Europe completely.
The 2024/25 Champions League will also see the first implication of two additional qualifying spots.
These are to be handed out to the top-ranked clubs who have not already qualified from the best nations in Uefa’s coefficient rankings.
