Champions League revamp brings significant changes, and Celtic is ready to face the new format. The upcoming Champions League draw will take place in Monaco at 17:00 BST and will be covered live on the BBC Sport website. This year’s Champions League promises to be an exciting event, with a new format and increased prize money.
The New Format
The Champions League has undergone a significant revamp since 1992. The group stage is now history, and an opening ‘league phase’ will take its place. The new format will feature 36 clubs participating in a single table, with eight more teams added to the mix. This change will lead to a significant increase in the number of games played, from 125 to 189. The Champions League will now be more competitive, with more matches to be played.
How the New Format Works
The new Champions League format will see clubs ranked in four seeding pots. Each team will play eight different sides, with four home games and four away games. The teams will be drawn to play two opponents from each pot, with one match against a team from each pot at home and one away. This format will provide a more level playing field, with teams facing a variety of opponents.
Computerized Draw
The Champions League draw will now be computerized, with a similar technology used in chess tournaments. This system will ensure a fair draw and reduce the complexity of the manual draw. The computerized draw will take place after one team is manually drawn from Pot 1 as a ceremonial act at the Grimaldi Forum.
Key Dates
· Matchday 1: 17–19 September
· Matchday 2: 1/2 October
· Matchday 3: 22/23 October
· Matchday 4: 5/6 November
· Matchday 5: 26/27 November
· Matchday 6: 10/11 December
· Matchday 7: 21/22 January
· Matchday 8: 29 January
Qualification and Knockout Stage
The Champions League qualification process will also undergo a change. The top eight teams in the league phase will qualify for the last 16. Teams that finish between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the chance to progress. Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated.
Player Registration
Clubs must submit two lists of players: List A and List B. List A can have a maximum of 25 players, with eight places reserved for “locally trained players.” List B can have an unlimited number of players, but they must be born on or after 1 January 2003. This new rule aims to promote youth development and increase competition.
Champions League Finals
The Champions League final will take place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The competition will follow its prior path from the last 16 onwards.
Celtic’s Participation
Celtic ended a 10-year wait for a home win in the Champions League last season. They are preparing for Thursday’s Champions League draw and will face a new format and increased competition. Celtic’s only victory in the Champions League last term was at home to Feyenoord. They will look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.
Champions League Coverage
BBC Sport will provide comprehensive coverage of the Champions League, including live draws, match highlights, and live text commentary. Fans can follow the BBC Sport website and app for updates on their favorite teams and players.
British Teams in the Champions League
British teams have had limited success in the Champions League in recent years. Celtic will look to change this trend and make an impact in the competition. With the new format and increased prize money, the Champions League promises to be an exciting event for British teams.
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Champions League match-by-match highlights will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 22:00 BST on the Wednesday of Champions League matchweeks. A highlights show will also be broadcast on BBC One at 22:40.
Clips will be available online and on social media, along with live text commentary of all the games involving British sides on the BBC Sport website.