Abhay Singh
On Wednesdays of Champions League match weeks, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, and BBC One will offer game-by-game highlights, with a bonus show on Thursday at 23:05. The first set of fixtures will be spread across three days, providing more coverage.
The new show is hosted by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan
The new show, spearheaded by hosts Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with added presence from Jason Mohammad in the inaugural week, features a star-studded cast of experts. This includes former football greats such as Joe Hart, who brings his experience as a goalkeeper from Manchester City and Celtic, Theo Walcott, known for his time as a forward at Arsenal, Thomas Hitzlsperger, a notable midfielder from clubs like Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and Stuttgart, and Steph Houghton, the former captain of Manchester City.
Driving the analytical side of things are the astute Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Warnock, entrusted with uncovering tactical nuances and key moments. To cater to fans’ needs, BBC Radio 5 Live’s comprehensive commentary and goals service, available on BBC Sounds and Champions League Final Score on BBC iPlayer every Tuesday and Wednesday, will keep listeners informed.
Further content, including online clips and social media updates, along with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website, are set to enhance the viewing experience across all platforms.
New Champions League format
Starting from this season, UEFA has initiated a groundbreaking new format, which received approval in May 2022. This significant adjustment, the first of its kind since 1992, marks a noteworthy evolution in Europe’s prestigious competition structure.
In recent times, the group stage system accommodated 32 teams, segregated into eight groups of four, whereby the top two teams progressed to the knockout stage. However, the commencement of the expanded 36-team tournament brings forth a novel approach wherein each team will partake in eight matches- evenly split between home and away fixtures.
This league phase format will entail encounters against two opponents from each of the four seeding pots. Qualification into the round of 16 will be automatic for teams securing a spot in the top eight, while those placing between ninth and 24th will engage in a two-legged knockout play-off for an opportunity to advance further.
Teams finishing below the 25th position will unfortunately face elimination, precluding entry into the Europa League.
The Champions League will resume its previous format, consisting of a series of two-leg knockout games that culminate in a final on Saturday, May 31, starting with the last 16. There won’t be an away goals rule in effect, just like it was the previous season. The Allianz Arena in Bayern Munich will host this season’s final.
The number of matches in the new format will increase from 125 to 189
The implementation of the new format will result in a significant increase in the total number of matches, rising substantially from 125 to a revised count of 189 games. This adjustment translates into a greater level of engagement and competition, as each team will be required to participate in a minimum of eight matches, an increase from the previous six, emphasizing the competitive nature and extended duration of the tournament.
Furthermore, the league’s restructuring will extend the season, concluding the league phase at the close of January as opposed to its former culmination in December, thereby offering fans and viewers an enhanced and prolonged viewing experience.
Additionally, the scheduling of matches during Champions League exclusive weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays aims to optimize viewership and provide greater accessibility for fans to engage with the game, ensuring widespread audience participation and interest.
Squad rules for the competition
Each club participating in any Uefa tournament is required to provide two player lists. The first list, known as ‘List A,’ allows clubs to enlist up to 25 players, allocating eight spots specifically for “locally-trained players,” commonly referred to as homegrown talents.
These eight spots are mandated to include at least four “club-trained” players and can feature a maximum of four “association-trained” players. Uefa’s guidelines specify that players meeting the “club-trained” criteria must have been part of the club’s roster for no less than three years between the ages of 15 and 21, irrespective of their nationality.
Conversely, an “association-trained” player should have played within the same country as the club for a minimum of three years, encompassing the ages of 15 to 21, disregarding the player’s nationality.
Moving on to List B, clubs have the liberty to register an unrestricted number of players for the 2024-25 season, provided they are born on or after 1 January 2003. The squads for List A of the 36 Champions League contenders in the league phase were submitted on 3 September, with List B players requiring submission no later than 23:00 BST the day before each match.
Furthermore, Uefa allows a player who participated in any preceding qualifying rounds ahead of the group stage of the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League to feature in these competitions for another club once the league phase commences.
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