European Cups: "Evolved format for long-term viability, prosperity, and growth" (A. Ceferin, UEFA)

"This evolved format (from 2024-25) will still keep alive the dream of any team in Europe to participate in the UEFA Champions League thanks to results obtained on the pitch and it will enable long-term viability, prosperity, and growth for everyone in European football, not just a tiny, self-selected cartel," said Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, during the executive committee which approves a new formula for its club competitions from 2024-25, on 19/04/2021.

This new format was ratified the day after the launch of a European Super League project supported by 12 big clubs (6 English, 3 Spanish, and 3 Italian) and which would directly compete with the Champions League, of which it also partly copies the current format. (a "league stage" or group phase, followed by a knockout round phase).

"Taking the total number of teams from 32 to 36 in the UEFA Champions League, the biggest change will see a transformation from the traditional group stage to a single league stage including all participating teams. Every club will now be guaranteed a minimum of 10 league stage games against 10…