Revealed: The three MAJOR changes UEFA are considering for Champions League format next season after receiving backlash following system overhaul

UEFA announced a complete overhaul of the Champions League starting from the 2024-25 season as the number of teams in the tournament was increased from 32 to 36. The governing body also introduced an all-new league stage to replace the group stage with the top eight directly qualified for the Round of 16, while the teams placed from ninth to 24th would face off in a play-off round.

The new format was initially met by criticism from fans and pundits, however, since the start of the season, it has been well-received, yet UEFA are now set to make three new changes to the format, with one of the rules set to help reduce the stress on the players from the increased number of games this season.

As per German publication BILD, the first change being discussed is to do away with extra-time, in case of a drawn knockout game, the match would be decided in a penalty shootout. The second rule change would see the teams that finish the league stage in the top eight receive a boost as they will be given precedence to play the second leg of their knockout ties at home.

The old format of the Champions League denied the possibility of two teams from the same nation facing off against each other until the quarter-final. However, the same wasn't the case this season, as Real Madrid faced off against Atletico Madrid, while Bayern Munich faced Bayer Leverkusen. However, there is a possibility that the Champions League could revert to the old 'Country Protection' rules starting next season.

This season’s Champions League is coming to an end with only four teams remaining in the contest in the form of Barcelona, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The semi-finals are set to be played next week as teams look to book a spot in the final at Allianz Arena in Munich.