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Football

19th Apr 2021

UEFA approve Champions League reforms for 2024

Claudia McInerney

The Champions League reforms for 2024 have been confirmed

The UEFA executive committee has this morning approved the new reforms, which will come into place in 2024, it has been revealed.

As part of the new changes, the Champions League’s format will eventually consist of 36 teams, instead of the current total of 32.

Several fans have publicly spoken against the new reforms.

In an open letter to Agnelli, who recently stepped down as chairman of European Club Association (ECA), fans’ groups from several clubs which are represented on the association’s board, said: “Your plans to restructure the Champions League by increasing the number of games, introducing qualification based on past achievements, and monopolising commercial rights present a serious threat to the entire game.”

What will the new Champions League format look like?

Under the reforms, there will be new spots for elite clubs that were not able to qualify.

The best eight teams will reach the knockouts, it has been announced.

Other teams will be able to qualify through a new round of play-offs.

Every club will be guaranteed ten games, which in turn will increase revenue.

Instead of groups, there will be one league.

The reforms come after the announcement of The European Super League (ESL), which poses a direct threat to the continuation of the Champions League.

However, in a statement, the ESL said: “Going forward, the Founding Clubs [of the ESL] look forward to holding discussions with UEFA and FIFA to work together in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole.”