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UEFA Considers Scrapping Extra Time in Champions League Knockouts

Posted : 07 February 2025

Discussions are underway regarding a potential change to the Champions League format, as UEFA officials have met with representatives from the Football Players' Association (FIFPro) to discuss the possibility of eliminating extra time in knockout matches. According to reports from Spain, the meetings in Nyon included FIFPro President Sergio Marchi and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, raising speculation about a major shift in tournament rules. However, any such change would not take effect in the current season.

 

At this stage, talks remain informal, with no official proposal submitted. The primary concern driving discussions is the increasing strain on players due to the demanding match schedule. Many players and their representatives have voiced concerns over excessive playing time and fatigue. One potential solution under consideration is removing extra time and proceeding directly to penalty shootouts in the event of a draw, an idea previously reported by The Guardian.

 

UEFA has acknowledged the physical toll on players, with Čeferin himself repeatedly addressing the issue. If extra time were removed, drawn matches in the knockout rounds would go straight to penalties, avoiding the additional 30 minutes of intense play. This change could help reduce injuries and fatigue while maintaining the excitement of decisive moments in crucial matches.

 

The concept of eliminating extra time has already been implemented in various competitions. The Spanish Super Cup, hosted in Saudi Arabia, recently adopted the rule, and the UEFA Super Cup, as seen in the match between Sevilla and Manchester City, also bypassed extra time in favor of penalties. Additionally, many domestic cup tournaments and third-place playoff matches in major international competitions have already done away with extra time. If UEFA enacts the change in the Champions League, it would mark a historic shift, permanently eliminating the extra half-hour that has long been part of knockout matches.

 

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