UEFA plans to invite clubs from Saudi Arabia to Champions League matches with a wild card, like in tennis.
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: gettyimages.com)From autumn 2024, the Champions League will change dramatically. The number of teams will increase from 32 to 36, and they will not be divided into groups, but will be part of a series where each team will play eight matches (instead of 6 as before) against eight different opponents in the first round of the competition - four games at home, four away.
Finally, depending on the points scored, an overall ranking will be drawn up. The top eight teams will qualify directly for the play-offs, while teams from 9th to 24th will face each other in the play-offs. Similar systems will be used in the Europa League and Conference League.
UEFA is also planning other changes. One project will be to invite clubs from outside Europe. That would include Saudi Arabia, given the surprising rise of football in the Asian kingdom.
