New UEFA Champions League format in 2024
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UEFA has approved a major overhaul of the Champions League – Europe’s primary club football tournament – with an expanded 36-team league system set to be introduced
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EXPANDED FORMAT
From 2024/25 season, single league introduced, which includes all 36 teams – existing eight groups of four format scrapped

36 Group stage teams – increased by four

INCREASED MATCHES
Each team plays eight league stage ties – four home and four away – against different opposition. Up from six currently

189
Total matches – increase of 64 from current 125-game season

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NEW ALLOCATIONS

Two places: Additional slots awarded to nations, based on performance in Europe’s club competitions in previous season

One place: Awarded to third-placed team in domestic league ranked fifth in Europe – currently France

One place: “Champions Path” qualification increased from four to five teams
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QUALIFICATION
  
Top 8: Advance directly to Last 16
    
9th-24th place: Contest two-legged play-off to progress to Last 16
  
25th-36th place: Eliminated
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Similar format changes also applied to UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League
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Source: UEFA
Picture: Getty Images
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