UEFA makes crucial changes to Champions League by increasing the number of teams to 36; set to follow a new format from the 2024-25 season

UEFA has announced crucial changes with regards to Champions League, raising the number of teams in the Champions League to 36 while taking league phase matches to eight for each team. Another significant modification implemented by Europe's top football regulatory body is the 'Swiss system.'

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The governing body has increased the number of teams in the UEFA Champions League from 32 to 36. UEFA has also opted not to implement the controversial access to qualification for the UCL via club ranking. According to the UEFA President's statement, an increasing number of teams will benefit a transition from the conventional group stage to a single league phase.

"Every club will now get a minimum of 8 league stage games against eight different opponents (four home games, four away) rather than the previous six matches against three teams, played on a home-and-away basis," read the statement.

The top eight clubs in the league will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the teams ranking ninth to 24th will participate in a two-legged playoff to win their spot in the competition's final 16.

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Here is the official statement

⚽ The #UEFAExCo has approved the final format and access list for UEFA club competitions from the 2024/25 season.

✅ No more access granted based on club coefficients.

✅ Eight matches instead of ten in the new league phase.

Full details: ⬇️#UCL #UEL #UECL

— UEFA (@UEFA) May 10, 2022

The UEFA said that eliminating access to the qualification process will help the preservation of domestic leagues. "By not introducing access of quality for the UCL will help in facilitating open competition on the basis of sporting merit and help protect domestic leagues," claimed the governing body.

"The decision concluded during a meeting in Vienna followed an extensive consultation process, and all the ideas of fans, players, coaches, national associations, clubs and leagues were heard and analysed to get the best solution for the development and success of the European football," UEFA President Aleksander Cefering was quoted saying by Sports Tiger.