UEFA is considering following its major Champions League revamp with the removal of extra-time in the competition, it has been claimed. This season is the first in which the competition - along with the Europa League and Conference League - has adopted its new Swiss-style system. It means teams no longer face home-and-away meetings with the same opponents, instead competing in a single 36-team table.
The knockout stages of the 2024-25 edition have now been set, with eight teams progressing directly to the round of 16 and another 16 playing off for a chance to join them. However, the number of minutes played by already overworked players is thought to be a factor in the discussions currently underway. As things stand, knockout ties are two-legged affairs which go to extra-time if scores are level, with the away goals rule scrapped in 2021. This could soon change, though.
According to The Guardian, the proposed changes are being given "serious consideration" within UEFA. However, it has been suggested that any changes are unlikely to come into force before 2027, and have only been raised informally at this stage. The discussions come after players and their unions have taken issue with the expanded calendar and the injury risk it presents. In addition to continental tournaments, 2025 will be the first year to add an expanded Club World Cup, with 32 teams due to take part in the summer competition in the United States.
“Players and their unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes," the Professional Footballers' Association said in September. "When they are ignored then the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options available to them.". Should the Champions League scrap extra-time? Have your say in the comments section. The PFA's comments came shortly after Manchester City star Rodri warned a players' strike was a real concern. "I think we're close to that," the Spanish international said. "It's the general opinion of the players, and if it keeps this way, we'll have no other option. I really think it's something that worries us. We are the guys who suffer.”.
Rodri played 64 times for club and country suring the 2023-24 season, winning the Premier League with City and the Euros with Spain. He could have been in line for even more action this term, with City one of the teams in the Club World Cup thanks to their 2022-23 Champions League win, only for an ACL injury to rule him out for the bulk of the campaign. "Not everything is about money or marketing. It's about the quality of show," the midfielder added in September, just days before suffering his long-term injury against Arsenal. "In my opinion, when I'm not tired, I perform better. If people want to see better football, then we need to rest.".
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