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Champions League Reformed: The Swiss Model

Jaime Vargas

The UEFA Champions League, one of the most prestigious club football competitions in the world, is set to undergo a significant transformation starting in the 2024/25 season. The new format, often referred to as the “Swiss Model,” introduces several groundbreaking changes aimed at increasing excitement, competition, and revenue for European football. The overhaul comes at a time when the sport is evolving rapidly, with demands for more high-stakes matches and a broader pool of competing teams.

One of the most noticeable changes is the expansion from 32 to 36 teams in the group stage. This marks a departure from the traditional eight groups of four teams. Instead of a conventional group format, all 36 teams will now compete in a single league, known as the “league phase.” Each team will play eight matches, four at home and four away, against different opponents. This structure ensures that no two teams will have an identical set of fixtures, creating a more dynamic and unpredictable group stage. The league phase will then determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds.

In this new model, the top eight teams from the league phase will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff round, with the winners progressing to the knockout stages. This introduces a new level of drama as teams fight for a place in the top eight, while others struggle for survival in the playoff zone. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated from the competition after the league phase, meaning every match counts, and fewer teams will face meaningless games by the end of the group stage.


The Swiss Model is designed to increase the overall competitiveness of the Champions League. By removing the traditional groups and expanding the number of games in the initial phase, fans can expect to see more big clashes between Europe’s elite clubs earlier in the tournament. This new system also provides more opportunities for underdog teams to progress, as the random scheduling could lead to surprise results and greater unpredictability.

Additionally, the number of games played by each team in the league phase will increase from six to eight, giving more exposure to clubs and a better chance for teams to recover from an early setback. These changes align with UEFA’s broader goals of enhancing competition and maintaining the allure of the Champions League in an increasingly globalized and commercialized football landscape.


The new format is expected to bring significant financial benefits to UEFA, clubs, and broadcasters. The additional games will create more broadcasting opportunities, leading to higher revenue from television rights, sponsorships, and matchday revenue. UEFA projects that the increased number of high-profile matches will attract larger global audiences, helping to maintain the Champions League’s position as the premier club competition in the world.

However, the expanded format also raises concerns about fixture congestion. Critics argue that the additional matches will further burden already tight club schedules, especially for teams involved in multiple domestic and international competitions. The increased number of games may also lead to player fatigue and potential injuries, prompting discussions about player welfare in an increasingly demanding football calendar.


The new Champions League format represents a bold step toward reshaping European club football. It seeks to address some of the criticisms leveled at the current structure, such as the predictability of group-stage outcomes and the desire for more marquee matchups between top teams. While the changes are largely driven by financial incentives, they also offer the potential to elevate the overall quality of the competition.


Nevertheless, questions remain about the long-term impact of the new format on both the traditional balance of power in European football and the physical demands placed on players. As the first season under the new structure approaches, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the Swiss Model can deliver on its promise of a more exciting and competitive Champions League, or whether it will create unforeseen challenges for the clubs and players involved.


In conclusion, the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League overhaul is set to usher in a new era of football, with increased competition, revenue opportunities, and excitement for fans around the world. However, as with any major change in football, its success will ultimately depend on how well it is received by stakeholders and whether it can balance the needs of clubs, players, and the broader football community.

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