UEFA Considering Champions League Changes - already

Three Proposed Changes To The New Format To Be Voted On In May

After a report in the media last week that UEFA was discussing a potential change to the formats of their league phases next season, a new report released today claims UEFA are discussing as many as THREE changes. This comes after just one season of the new format, and all three potential changes could affect Scottish teams in European competition next season.

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PREVIOUS REPORTS

When Arsenal - who finished 3rd in the Champions League table - were drawn to face Real Madrid away in the second leg of the Quarter Final, despite Real Madrid finishing 11th in the league phase, it prompted debate around the value of the rewards for the clubs who performed well in the league phase. Arsenal were of course victorious over two legs, but now face the same ‘disadvantage’ in the Semi Final, where the second leg will be played in Paris, at the home of 15th placed PSG.

Having the second leg at home in a knockout tie is considered an advantage, and currently the sides that finish 1st-8th are given the reward of a home match in the second leg of the last 16 only. There is no such seeding in the subsequent rounds, and so the second leg home ‘advantage’ in the Quarter Final and Semi Final is decided by luck of the draw.

The reports last week suggested that UEFA may consider seeding the Quarter Final too; with the higher ranked team from the league phase benefitting from the second leg at home in BOTH the last 16 and the Quarter Final.

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NEW REPORTS