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Champions League Expands with New Format, Sparking Concerns over Player Workload

Champions League Expands with New Format, Sparking Concerns over Player Workload

By September 15, 2024 0

The Champions League, Europe’s premier club football competition, embarks on a new era with an expanded format and increased matches. UEFA, the governing body, has introduced a 36-team league phase, with each team playing eight matches against different opponents.

The expanded format aims to address the predictability of the traditional group stage and prevent the formation of a breakaway Super League. The top eight teams from the league phase will advance directly to the last 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in a play-off round for the remaining berths.

The opening week of the competition features several high-profile clashes, including Real Madrid vs. VfB Stuttgart, AC Milan vs. Liverpool, and Manchester City vs. Inter Milan. The draw has also produced intriguing matchups such as Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal and Manchester City, and Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, and Milan.

While the expanded format promises more excitement and unpredictability, concerns have been raised about the impact on player workload. The additional matches come at a time when top clubs are already facing a congested schedule, including the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Global footballers’ union FIFPro has expressed concerns about the lack of rest and recovery time for players. The union argues that the increased number of matches could lead to injuries and burnout.

Despite the concerns, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes the new format will benefit the competition and make it more interesting. The expanded Champions League promises a fresh start, but it remains to be seen whether the increased workload will ultimately prove beneficial or detrimental to the players and the sport as a whole.

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Champions League new format explained

Champions League New Format Explained

By September 13, 2024 0

Football nights are gonna be longer for the fans. Coz’ the premier tournament in the history of the sport has done a rejig. The UEFA Champions League has evolved to make the competition even bigger.

After six years into the making, the new format of the UEFA Champions League will finally be in effect from the 2024-25 season. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin announced the news on uefa.com. He stated, “UEFA has clearly shown that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model.” 

Additionally, he said, “I am really pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues and national associations all agreeing with the proposal made. Another proof that European football is more united than ever.”

So, what are the big changes that are happening in the UEFA Champions League? Let’s find out.

Increased Number of Teams:

  • Increase from 32 to 36 Teams: The tournament will expand from 32 to 36 teams. This expansion will allow more clubs from different countries to participate, increasing diversity and representation across European leagues. This also provides opportunities for smaller clubs or those from lesser-known leagues to compete at the highest level of European football.
  • Additional Spots: The four additional spots will likely be allocated based on a combination of domestic league performance, historical performances in European competitions, and other criteria set by UEFA.
UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

Single League Format

  • Unified League System: Instead of the traditional group stage format with eight groups of four teams, all 36 teams will compete in a single league table. This is a significant shift from the previous format, which divided teams into groups, with each team playing against the others in their group.
  • Number of Matches: Under the new format, teams will play eight matches in the new league phase (former group stage). They will no longer play three opponents twice – home and away – but will instead face fixtures against eight different teams, playing half of those matches at home and half of them away. To determine the eight different opponents, the teams will initially be ranked in four seeding pots. Each team will then be drawn to play two opponents from each of these pots, playing one match against a team from each pot at home, and one away. This change will increase the number of matches in the early stages of the competition, ensuring that each team has a diverse set of opponents from various leagues across Europe. This aims to increase the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament.

Qualification for Knockout Rounds

  • Top Eight Teams Qualify Directly: After all teams have played their eight matches, the top eight teams in the league table will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
  • Playoff Round: Teams ranked 9th to 24th in the league table will enter a two-legged playoff round. The winners of these playoffs will secure the remaining eight spots in the Round of 16. Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the UEFA Europa League. This playoff system adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the tournament, ensuring that every match in the league stage has significance and that more teams have a chance to progress. 

In the knockout phase, the teams that finish between 9th and 16th will be seeded in the knockout phase play-off draw, meaning they will face a team placed 17th to 24th – with, in principle, the return leg at home. The eight clubs which prevail in the knockout phase play-offs will then progress to the round of 16, where they will each face one of the top-eight finishers, who will be seeded in the round of 16.

Purpose of Changes

  • More Excitement and Competitiveness: The new format aims to make the tournament more thrilling by providing more matches with higher stakes early on. Instead of the predictability of the group stages, the league format creates more dynamic matchups and keeps more teams in contention for longer.
  • Increased Revenue and Viewership: More matches mean more broadcasting rights and ticket sales, which is likely to increase revenue for UEFA, clubs, and broadcasters. The broader range of matchups is also designed to attract more viewers, particularly in the early stages of the competition.

Impact on Clubs and Fans

  • For Clubs: The new format offers more opportunities for mid-tier teams to reach the knockout stages. With more matches and a wider variety of opponents, clubs may benefit from increased revenue from broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
  • For Fans: Fans will experience a broader range of matchups throughout the competition. The new format also ensures that the competition remains interesting and competitive throughout, as more teams have a chance to progress. This might enhance fan engagement and maintain high levels of interest throughout the season.

Still confused with the new UEFA Champions League format? Watch this video and get all your doubts cleared.

Are you happy with the new UEFA Champions League format? Comment below what you think about the tournament’s new structure.

Categories: Football, Sports360
France Bounce Back with 2-0 Victory over Belgium in UEFA Nations League

France Bounce Back with 2-0 Victory over Belgium in UEFA Nations League

By September 10, 2024 0

France redeemed themselves with a 2-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, following their disappointing loss to Italy. Despite fielding a weakened team, Les Bleus showcased their resilience and determination.

Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on a mishit shot from Ousmane Dembele. Dembele then sealed the victory in the 57th minute with a stunning individual effort, dribbling past defenders before unleashing a powerful shot.

Coach Didier Deschamps expressed relief at his team’s response after their poor performance against Italy. “I am happy with our reaction,” he said. “We faced a strong Belgium side, but we showed our quality.”

The victory was a welcome boost for France, who had endured a difficult Euro 2024 campaign. They will now look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.

Belgium, captained by Kevin De Bruyne, struggled to find an equalizer despite creating several chances. The defeat leaves them with three points in Group A2, behind Italy and France.

The next round of matches will take place in October, with Italy facing Belgium in Rome and Israel meeting France on neutral territory in Budapest.

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San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

By September 6, 2024 0

San Marino, the perennial underdogs of international football, etched their name in history on Thursday by securing their first-ever competitive victory. The tiny nation, nestled within the heart of Italy, stunned Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League, ending a remarkable 140-game winless streak that had spanned over two decades.

The match at San Marino’s Stadio Olimpico was a tale of resilience and determination for the home side. Liechtenstein, ranked 195th in the FIFA rankings, had the better of the chances in the first half, but a disallowed goal for offside kept the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when San Marino capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liechtenstein. Nicko Sensoli, a 19-year-old forward, pounced on a loose ball and fired home the historic goal. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the team celebrated their long-awaited triumph.

San Marino’s victory is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the players and the unwavering support of their fans. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the world, they refused to be defined by their past failures. Their recent string of draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis had hinted at a growing confidence within the squad.

The win against Liechtenstein is a watershed moment for San Marino. It marks the end of a painful chapter in their footballing history and signals a new era of hope and optimism. The team’s performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they are grouped with Liechtenstein and Gibraltar, will be closely watched as they aim to build on their historic victory.

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Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

By August 30, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to the Portugal national team remains steadfast despite his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old legend has been included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, signaling the continued faith of coach Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo’s inclusion comes after a disappointing Euro campaign where he failed to find the back of the net. However, his recent form for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he has scored four goals in four games, has bolstered his case for a starting role.

With Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos sidelined by an ankle injury, Ronaldo is expected to lead the Portugal attack. The veteran forward has expressed his determination to continue representing his country, stating, “When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment what I want is to be able to help the Selecao.”

Martinez is also looking to the future with the inclusion of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda. The young talent joins Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga and Lille defender Tiago Santos as new faces in the squad.

The squad also features experienced players such as Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. Martinez will be hoping that the blend of youth and experience can guide Portugal to success in the upcoming Nations League matches.

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UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

By August 29, 2024 0

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of a new format for the 2024-25 season. The draw for the revamped competition will take place in Monaco on Thursday, August 24th, and it promises to be a captivating event.

The most notable change is the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 36 teams. This will provide an additional berth for the fifth-ranked European league, as determined by UEFA’s coefficient rankings. As a result, Ligue 1 will now have three automatic qualifiers, joining the likes of the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

The new format will see the 36 clubs divided into one single league, known as the “Swiss system.” Each team will play eight matches, one against each of their eight opponents. This will result in a total of 114 group stage games, up from 96 in the previous format.

To ensure fairness, the teams will be seeded into four pots of nine based on their UEFA coefficients. Each team will face two opponents from each pot, one at home and one away. Additionally, no team will be drawn against another club from the same domestic league, and each club can only face a maximum of two teams from any one country.

The top 16 teams in the league phase will automatically qualify for the round of 16. The remaining eight teams, finishing from ninth to 24th, will enter a playoff round. These teams will be paired off in two-legged knockout ties, with the winners advancing to the round of 16.

The playoff ties will also be seeded, with the higher-ranked teams facing the lower-ranked teams. This will ensure that the most competitive matches are played in the later stages of the competition.

The new format is designed to increase the number of high-quality matches and provide more opportunities for teams from smaller leagues to compete at the highest level. It is also expected to generate additional revenue for UEFA and the participating clubs.

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Mbappé Files UEFA Complaint Against PSG Over Unpaid Wages

Mbappé Files UEFA Complaint Against PSG Over Unpaid Wages

By August 20, 2024 0

Kylian Mbappé’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been marred by a financial dispute between the French striker and the club’s Qatari owners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). Mbappé is claiming unpaid wages amounting to approximately €55 million, prompting him to file a complaint with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

The unpaid wages include three months of salary (April, May, and June), an “ethical bonus” for the same period, and the final installment of a €36 million signing bonus that was due in February. According to French newspaper Le Monde, PSG received an official notice from Mbappé’s camp in mid-June.

Mbappé’s complaint was initially filed with the legal committee of the French Professional Football League (LFP), citing article 259 of France’s professional football charter. The matter was subsequently referred to UEFA via the French Football Federation (FFF).

The dispute has further strained the relationship between Mbappé and PSG, which ended on a sour note after the striker’s seven-year stint at the club. Reports emerged of a verbal altercation between Mbappé and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Mbappé has since joined Real Madrid, where he has made an immediate impact. He won the UEFA Super Cup in his first game and played a role in the team’s 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their La Liga opener.

The financial dispute between Mbappé and PSG highlights the complexities of player contracts and the potential for disputes when clubs fail to meet their obligations. It also raises questions about the financial management of PSG, which has spent heavily on player acquisitions in recent years.

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Premier League Introduces New Rule for Matchday Squad Announcements

Premier League Introduces New Rule for Matchday Squad Announcements

By August 16, 2024 0

The Premier League 2024-25 season kicks off this weekend, bringing with it a significant change to the traditional matchday routine. Clubs will now have an additional 15 minutes to release their team sheets, moving the deadline to 75 minutes before kick-off.

This rule adjustment aligns with UEFA regulations and aims to enhance the competitiveness of matches. By providing managers with less time for last-minute changes, the new rule encourages more strategic planning and reduces the potential for tactical surprises.

The Premier League handbook now stipulates that team sheets must be submitted “at least 75 minutes before the time fixed for the kick-off of a league match.” Clubs are required to provide the shirt numbers and names of participating players, including substitutes, as well as the color of their uniforms and the names of up to seven officials occupying the trainer’s bench.

The change also affects the pre-match briefing between managers and the referee, which must now take place at least 60 minutes before kick-off. This briefing provides an opportunity for managers to discuss any potential issues or concerns with the referee.

The Premier League’s decision to adopt this new rule is a testament to its commitment to improving the quality and fairness of its matches. By giving managers less time to make changes, the league hopes to create a more level playing field and increase the excitement for fans.

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Ajax Sets UEFA Penalty Shootout Record in Marathon Win Over Panathinaikos

Ajax Sets UEFA Penalty Shootout Record in Marathon Win Over Panathinaikos

By August 16, 2024 0

Ajax and Panathinaikos engaged in an epic penalty shootout that set a UEFA competition record, with the Dutch giants emerging victorious after 34 attempts. The Europa League third qualifying round tie ended 1-1 over two legs and extra time, leading to the marathon shootout.

Ajax, who had won 1-0 in the first leg in Greece, conceded a late equalizer in the 89th minute in Amsterdam, forcing the shootout. The previous record for the longest shootout in a UEFA competition was 32 attempts, set in the 2007 European U-21 Championship semi-final between Netherlands and England.

The world record for the longest shootout was set in May when Israeli third-tier clubs SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv took 56 penalties to resolve their semi-final promotion playoff tie.

Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer was the hero for the hosts, saving five penalties. However, Dutch international Brian Brobbey missed two penalties for Ajax, keeping the shootout alive.

“Five is quite a lot, yes. I save a penalty every now and then, but I don’t think you often experience something as crazy as this,” Pasveer said. “Every time I thought we would do it. Brobbey behind the ball, we will do it. But he missed, while he always scores during training.”

Defender Anton Gaaei ultimately delivered the winning penalty for Ajax, sending the Eredivisie club into the playoff round later this month, where they will face Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok.

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UEFA Charges Spain's Morata and Rodri for Gibraltar Chant

UEFA Charges Spain’s Morata and Rodri for Gibraltar Chant

By July 23, 2024 0

UEFA has charged Spain captain Alvaro Morata and midfielder Rodri with violating its “basic rules of decent conduct” after they sang about a sovereignty claim on Gibraltar at the team’s European Championship title celebration. The charges also include “bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”

Morata and Rodri led thousands of fans in singing “Gibraltar is Spanish” at a celebration in Madrid last week after Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final. Gibraltar, located on the southern tip of Spain, has been a British overseas territory for more than 300 years.

The Gibraltar soccer federation filed a formal complaint to UEFA, which has now opened disciplinary proceedings against Morata and Rodri. The federation welcomed the move, saying it was “an important first step in order to establish the unlawfulness of the chant.”

UEFA’s disciplinary body will rule on the case at a later date, with the players facing a possible suspension from Nations League games in September. In a similar incident at Euro 2024, UEFA banned Albania player Mirlind Daku for two games after he led fans in nationalist chants against Serbia and North Macedonia.

Morata recently completed a move from Atletico Madrid to AC Milan, while Rodri, who was named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, plays for Manchester City.

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