New Champions League Format: Fans All Say the Same Thing As UEFA Release New Video

• A new video explaining the new Champions League format was released on Monday
• Fans can expect several changes in the competition from the 2024/25 season
• One major change is that all the participating 36 teams will play in a single group

The Champions League as we know it is coming to an end.

From the 2024/25 season, fans can expect radical changes to the competition, with the most significant change being the upping of participating teams in Europe’s elite competition from 32 to 36 teams.

This is not too surprising, as UEFA had highlighted the changes months ago. However, on Monday, March 4, the body shared an interesting video breaking down the new format in detail, and it was met with an interesting reception online.

The new Champions League format in a nutshell

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As mentioned earlier, there will be 36 teams in the Champions League from next season.

However, instead of eight groups where the top two proceed to the knockout stages, the new format will see all 36 teams compete in a single league competition, per UEFA.com.

Each team will play eight matches in the new league against eight different teams. After the group stage, the teams will be formatted into a table with the top eight sides automatically proceeding to the knockout stages.

The remaining eight slots will be fought for by the teams that finished between ninth and 24th.

From the round of 16, teams will compete as normal with two-legged ties up to the semis, per The Athletic.

Fans react to new format

One of the main goals of the new Champions League format was to afford teams the chance to compete with a wide range of opponents.

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But fans on social media did not receive the new format well, accusing UEFA of coming up with their own version of the controversial ‘Super League’.

Here are some reactions from fans:

@abid_patel:

"So, basically, the Super League. But, it's okay now because UEFA are getting the money."

@AmjadGR:

"It's either a really good idea. Or a really bad one. There's no in-between. Let's see how that season plays out."

@Badgowies:

"You guys have completely spoil this beautiful game."

@B_T_S_100:

"Proper in two minds over this. Why change a system that isn’t broken but at the same time puts a stop to the likes of Man City being in a group with a load of part-timers?"

@aka_CRM:

"So basically its a Super league which don Perez wanted?"

Barcelona could pocket millions for beating Napoli

Sports Brief also reported on the staggering amount of money Barcelona stand to receive if they beat Napoli in the Champions League.

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Despite being one of the biggest clubs in world football, the reigning La Liga champions have been struggling to stay afloat in recent seasons.

They have the chance to redeem themselves in the Champions League this season, with Napoli standing in the way in their route to the last eight.