SHAH ALAM - The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is set for its biggest transformation since 1992, with a new ‘Swiss Model’ format that promises more excitement, but also raises concerns about complexity and player workload.
Starting with the 2024-25 season, the traditional group stage will be replaced by the new ‘Swiss Model’ format.
This new approach, approved in 2022, will see the competition evolve into a 36-team league, where each club will play eight matches against different opponents, four at home and four away.
The shift marks the first major change to the Champions League structure since 1992.
The Swiss Model
The ‘Swiss Model’ will feature a single league table, where teams will face off against different opponents on each matchday.
After the league phase, the top eight teams will automatically advance to the knockout stage, while the next 16 teams will battle it out in a playoff round.
Those finishing between 25th and 36th will be eliminated, making every game count right from the start.
UEFA’s Deputy Secretary General, Giorgio Marchetti said that the new structure is designed to increase excitement and revenue.
"This format guarantees more top-tier matchups from the very beginning. We are looking at a revenue increase to between €4.6 billion and €4.8 billion, with a significant portion going to smaller clubs," he said.
More Matches, More Revenue
The increase in games, from 125 to 189, under the Swiss Model is expected to generate more revenue.
UEFA has projected that the total prize money will rise to around £2.1 billion for the 2024-25 season, with each club earning at least £17.4 million.
This expansion will benefit smaller clubs, who will receive a larger share of the prize money based on their performances.
However, this comes with concerns about player fatigue.
Former England international and English Premier League’s all time top scorer, Alan Shearer, warned about the potential drawbacks of this new format.
"Football is reaching a breaking point. More games mean less quality because players are exhausted,” he told Mail Sports.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has even considered strike action due to the increasing workload.
Draw Process Using AI
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new format is how the draw will be conducted.
Instead of the traditional method of drawing balls from bowls, the majority of the draw will now be done through automated technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) software provided by AE Live, a UK-based IT firm, will determine which teams each club will face, taking into account factors like country protection and match scheduling.
CEO of AE Live, Dave Gill said that the company will take precaution on cybersecurity seriously.
"We are taking cybersecurity incredibly seriously. We have experienced cyber-attacks before, but we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of the draw,” he said.
Potential Drawbacks
While the new format promises more high-stakes matches, it also raises several concerns.
With 144 games played to eliminate just 12 teams, some critics argue that the league phase could become tedious, with not enough jeopardy to keep fans engaged.
Plus, the expanded league table might lead to scenarios where a team's final position, such as finishing 10th instead of 11th, feels inconsequential, even if it impacts their seeding in the knockout rounds.
Moreover, the congested calendar could exacerbate fixture congestion, particularly with the introduction of two-legged playoff rounds in February.
"The need to play regular matches in Europe comes from the clubs, not UEFA," Marchetti added, placing the onus on clubs for any scheduling challenges.
A Temporary Fix?
The new format is not set in stone beyond the 2024-27 cycle, and UEFA has left the door open for further changes.
Marchetti said that everything remains up for grabs, hinting that the Swiss Model could either be a long-term solution or a stepping stone to something different.
While some see it as a way to stave off the threat of a breakaway Super League, others believe it could be a bridge to an even more radical overhaul in the future.
As the UCL enters this new era, only time will tell if the Swiss Model will live up to its promise of delivering more excitement and fairness, or if it will become another stepping stone in the ongoing evolution of European football.