Champions League (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
UEFA plans to remove extra time from the Champions League from 2027, opting for penalty shootouts to settle knockout stage ties after 90 minutes.
UEFA is reportedly planning to eliminate a rule that has been a cornerstone of the Champions League for nearly 70 years. According to The Guardian, the organization is exploring the idea of removing extra time from knockout stage matches, opting instead to settle draws after 90 minutes with penalty shootouts.
This rule, in place since the competition's inception in 1956, has featured in iconic moments such as Real Madrid's 1958 triumph and their memorable 2014 final against Atlético Madrid, which they won 4-1 after extra time.
Less playing time, less fatigue
The primary motivation behind this proposal is to reduce player fatigue amid ongoing criticism over the congested fixture schedule. UEFA believes the impact of this change would be minimal, as only three Champions League ties went to extra time last season, and none did in 2022/23. In the Europa League, there have been 10 extra-time matches over the past two seasons.
Change could take effect in 2027
While the idea is under consideration, no changes will be made before 2027, as the current television rights agreements remain in place until then. If approved, the new rule would come into effect starting in the 2027/28 season for the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
This potential change would come six years after the abolition of the away goals rule, a significant shift that was implemented in 2021 and altered the dynamics of European competitions.
This season has also introduced notable changes, including the addition of four extra teams in the Champions League and the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league format, which sends eight teams directly to the round of 16, while sixteen others compete in a playoff round.