The most prestigious football competition in Europe is set to undergo the implementation of new rules and format. These major changes to the Champions League, have the objective of modernizing the tournament, addressing the demands of the audience, including more clubs and upgrading the level of competitiveness. While, there is significant doubt from the part of the managers and the footballers, the main question is how will it affect the clubs, the fans and, of course, the bettors and the top Asian and European bookmakers that set the pace and provide a significant part of the funding for this whole endeavor. Let’s see what is the answer.
Let's do a deep dive into the major changes to the Champions League
After the rebranding of 1992, there were only a few alterations. It took 33 years for such a major overhaul as the one that UEFA is attempting now. Let’s discuss about its main features:
More clubs:
The number of participants increases from 32 to 36. Which translates to new faces and new countries that did not previously have the chance to enter the great hall of fame. Two of the four extra slots are reserved for clubs with a rich record in the history of the European competitions and they will be awarded via Wild Cards.
The single-league Swiss model
The old system of 8 groups of 4 teams each is replaced with a single league. However, it will not be a round robin set of matches. Each participant will play against 8 other teams in 4 matches at home and another 4 away. The draw will include 2 teams from each of the four UEFA club ranking groups
The knockout stage
Each team receives 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. At the end of the league stage, the top 8 clubs will automatically advance. The remaining 8 spots will result from a two-legged playoff round for the teams from the 9th to the 24th spot.
What does UEFA hope to achieve?
We have already mentioned that the prime objectives are modernization, expansion, upgrading and addressing new developments and demands. Eventually, it also leads to higher revenues for all parties involved. More tickets will be sold (due to the increased number of matches), higher revenues from the TV coverage rights, greater sponsorship contracts.
UEFA (in consort with FIFA) also wants to force the clubs to widen their rotations by using younger talented players as a stepping stone for the development of the sport. However, all of the above are also subjects of contention with those that have voiced concerns against the new layout.
… however …
Not everyone is ready to accept this plan with open arms. Managers and footballers have already voiced their concerns about the increased schedule (just for CL it will be a minimum of 10 matches instead of 6). Their main worry is attached to health issues as fatigue injuries are becoming all the more common. It is not a surprise that they have already filed formal complaints against FIFA.
Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that the clubs will follow the intentions for new players. For them, all that matters is success. It’s the element that brings more sponsors and higher contracts. To achieve it they are more than willing to sacrifice the players.
Fans and bettors have issues too
Fans definitely want their favorite teams to play all the time. However, they also want them to win all the time. And that is quite impossible using the same players. It is even less possible using young and clueless footballers. Not to mention that it’s a chain of rather bad things. More wins equals more good players, equals more money, equals higher prices per ticket. So, is it worth it?
Similarly, bettors can see more opportunities of placing bets and consequently a greater return of their investment. Which also translates to the chances that the odds being lower to begin with, bordering on crashing due to the influx of wagers. So, it’s another conundrum to resolve.
Will these major changes to the Champions League yield good results?
Undoubtedly, there are plenty of good intentions with the new plan. And just like every new endeavor it is a pendulum that swings from one side to the other before it sits in the middle. Here, on one side we have the increased chances of disappointing results, while, on the other hand, we have the occasional major upset that comes when a small unknown team manages to defeat a grand name.
Just like everything else in nature, it’s a matter of balance. UEFA is looking for its own definition, the clubs uphold their own thoughts, the players address their own concerns, the fans hang on to their own dreams and those who open a betting account hope for the best. It’s another case of only time will tell if it meets with success or not.
