UEFA is considering following the most important Champions League refurbishment with the removal of extra time in the competition is claimed.
This season is the first in which the competition – together with the Europa League and Conference League – has taken over its new Swiss style system. It means that teams no longer have to deal with home and road meetings with the same opponents, instead competing in a few 36-team table.
The knockout phases of the 2024-25 edition have now been determined, with eight teams that continue directly to the round of 16 and play 16 for an opportunity to join them. However, it is thought that the number of minutes that overworked players are being played are a factor in the currently going on discussions.
As it looks now, knockout tires are two-legged things that go to extra time if scores are the same, with the rule of road rule in 2021 deleted. This can change soon.
According to The Guardian, the proposed changes “serious consideration” are given within UEFA. However, it has been suggested that it is unlikely that any changes will come into force before 2027 and only grew up informally at this stage.
The discussions come after players and their trade unions have had problems with the extensive calendar and the injury risk it presents. In addition to continental tournaments, 2025 will be the first year that an extensive club adds world cup, with 32 teams participating in the summer competition in the United States.
“Players and their trade unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes,” said the professional footballers' Association in September. “When they are ignored, then the natural consequence is that players will consider all available options to them.”
The comments from the PFA came shortly after Manchester City star Rodri warned that the strike of a players was a real concern. “I think we're close to that,” said the Spanish international. “It is the general opinion of the players, and if it stays that way, we will have no other option. I really think it's something that worries us. We are the boys who suffer.”
Rodri played 64 times for Club and Country Surbing the 2023-24 season and won the Premier League with City and the euro with Spain. He could have been in line for even more action, 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 exclude him for the major part of the campaign.
“Not everything is about money or marketing. It's about the quality of the show,” the midfielder added in September, just a few days before he sustained his long -term injury against Arsenal. “In my opinion, if I am not tired, I will perform better. If people want to see more football, then we have to rest.”
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