UEFA: group stage (4 groups of 4 teams) for the Women's Champions League from 2021-22

The Women's Champions League will change format from 2021-22: two access routes will be created, one for the winning clubs of their national leagues (champions path, seven qualified teams), the other a non-champions path (five qualified teams). This will make it possible for a group stage with 16 teams (including four directly qualified teams) divided into four groups of four, announced UEFA at the end of its executive committee meeting in Nyon (SUI) on 04/12/2019.

At the end of six matchday rounds in which each team will face its three opponents home and away, the top two of each group will advance to the quarter-finals (see detailed format below).

"A move designed to boost competitiveness and increase exposure of women’s club football through its elite competition," stated UEFA.

"This change, which means a 20% increase in the number of matches, has been developed by UEFA in close cooperation with the clubs and the ECA and will set a new benchmark for an international women's club competition," added the European body.

"Concrete steps to ensure a more professional and prosperous…