The new format of the Champions League is going into effect today. So what the hell is going on? UEFA’s announcement of the system change back in April of 2021 sparked a deluge of controversy in the football industry. Critics called the new drawing process convoluted and accused the organization of putting too much pressure on the players. Supporters of the move pointed out that clubs will be seeing an increase in revenue, and fans will get to enjoy more compelling matches throughout all stages of the tournament, not just in the finals.

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But both sides agreed that the system was so complicated that it would make even Pelé’s head spin. But have no fear, dear reader. Here’s everything you need to know.

The context: Founded in 1955 under the name of European Champions Clubs’ Cup, or simply the European Cup, the competition was originally joined only by the champions of European domestic leagues in addition to the title defender. In 1992, the competition took its currently known name — the UEFA Champions League — and the group stage was introduced, among other changes. The tournament consisted of 32 teams in 8 groups. The teams compete in home and away matches within their groups, and the top two teams in each group then advance to the round of 16. This system held strong for over three decades before, ending last season.

The new format: The system upheaval will implement significant changes in terms of the number of teams competing, the qualification system through league stages — previously group stages — will also change structure, as will the current relegation system to the Europa League.

The new system will add four teams to the tournament, making the total number of teams 36 in the preliminary draw, with the group stage becoming a league stage consisting of a single group comprising all the teams. The UEFA will then divide the participating teams into four categories based on their performance in domestic and continental competitions over the previous years. Each team will play eight matches during the league stage (compared to six in the old format), four at home and four away, facing two opponents from each category.

Road to finals: The top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while the teams that finish from 9 to 24 will go through a two-legged play-off stage, each team will play a match at home and another away, and the winning eight will move on to join the round of 16. As for the teams ranked 25 and below, they will be eliminated from the group stage.

The old format had been a huge success in terms of quality and competitiveness, it also helped draw in a record number of viewers from around the world. The Champions League finals were able to compete, and sometimes surpass, the viewership of the Super Bowl — historically the most watched event on TV.

So, why the change? Despite its success, the old format had several weaknesses — some competition groups were pretty weak, matches between big clubs were few and far in between, and it made it difficult for smaller clubs to make their way to the final stages. Above all, the UEFA wanted to spice things up and make the Champions League audience more excited for the competition.

Not everyone is a fan of change: The new system has faced some criticism, mostly from fans feeling that the new classification of teams and the way the draw is conducted are overly complicated. Critics also believe this new system will make it more difficult for smaller teams to qualify for the final stages.

In its defense: This new format will result in an increase in the frequency of matches between the top teams and an increase in the revenues all teams are expected to rake in — the UEFA expects to distribute an additional $477 mn in prize money among the participating teams each season after implementing the new format.

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