Here are the key rule changes to know ahead of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League season set to kick off in September.
UEFA has confirmed major reforms or rule changes to the Champions League ahead of its 2025/2026 season, reshaping the league phase of Europe’s top club competition. These changes, designed to improve fairness and competitiveness, will be introduced from the 2025/26 season.
Here are the rule reforms below:
1. Revised League Phase Format
All 36 teams will now play eight matches facing two opponents from each seeding pot, including their own. This guarantees high-profile clashes between top-seeded clubs while keeping balance across fixtures.
2. No Domestic Clashes in League Phase
Clubs will not be drawn against teams from their own country at this stage, ensuring greater variety.
3. Cap on Opponents from One Country
No side can face more than two clubs from the same nation. For example, Chelsea could be paired with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but not Atlético Madrid as well.
4. Qualification System
A single league table will determine advancement:
The top eight qualify directly for the Round of 16.Teams finishing 9th–24th go into a playoff round.Clubs placed 25th–36th are eliminated.5. Match Schedule
The league phase will take place between September 2025 and January 2026.
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