The Champions League is readying itself for a revamp, with the new ‘Swiss Model’ set to debut next month. The previous eight-groups-of-four format is being abandoned in favour of a ‘league phase’, in which all teams compete in a single large table. An increased number of participating teams – now 36 as opposed to 32 – will partake in eight initial matches each, as opposed to the previous six, facing different teams in each game. The hope is that the new format will result in more competitive fixtures from the outset, with large teams clashing earlier in the tournament. The top eight in the league will eventually proceed to a 16-team knockout phase.
The next phase of the league can now only begin upon completion of the league phase, which will run until late January. The teams that finish the league in the top eight positions go straight to a 16-team knockout stage, which will be seeded, while the remaining eight slots will be contested via new two-leg playoffs. The new draw format also features a change, with the previous eight groups now being replaced by four pots of nine teams each, all of which will be seeded according to their UEFA coefficient score.
The Champions League draw this season will be almost entirely automated. Once a team is chosen, a button will be pressed to reveal their eight opponents, as well as their home or away status. As such, all teams will face two opponents from each pot, including their own. The new software is designed to ensure that teams from the same nation do not face each other unless it is unavoidable. It is also stipulated that a team can only face up to two teams from another association.
UEFA’s decision to digitise the draw process in this fashion comes down to the time-saving benefits. A completely manual draw process could take more than three hours, hence the introduction of modern technology. The software for the draw was developed by AE Live, which is a sporting services company. They were appointed as a partner by UEFA in September 2023 and have been working on the draw process ever since.
However, even though new technology has been utilised to make the draw process more efficient, failsafes have been implemented in case issues arise. A few checking systems are in place to ensure that the draw remains feasible and the rules of the draw are followed. Protection has also been put into place to secure the draw’s digital environment from potential cyber-attacks. UEFA have also employed Ernst and Young, a global financial services company, to provide an additional level of assurance and transparency over the draw process.
The draw for the Champions League will take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. It will be streamed freely over UEFA’s official website and will also be broadcast on their partner networks. Concurrently, the draws for the Europa League and the Conference League will also be held there following a similar format. The hope is that the Swiss Model will make the Champions League league phase more competitive and intriguing for fans.
