UEFA is set to introduce significant changes to the Champions League format starting from the 2024/25 season.
Among these changes, the most notable is the expansion of the league phase, which will now feature 36 clubs playing eight matches each instead of the traditional six.
Celtic, expected to be placed in pot 3 for the draw, will face a new set of challenges and opportunities with this expanded format. The additional games will provide Celtic and other clubs more exposure on the European stage, potentially leading to greater competitive experiences and financial benefits.
The draw process itself is also undergoing a major overhaul to accommodate the new league phase format. Moving away from the previous method that used nearly 1000 balls and 36 bowls, UEFA will now implement a fully technological draw using special software.
For each team, automated software will randomly select eight opponents from four pots, ensuring a balanced and entirely random selection process.
🚨 UEFA confirmed details of the league stages draws!
– Each of the 36 teams will be manually drawn, after which software will randomly draw eight opponents from the four pots.
– Software will also decide which matches will be played at home and which away.
– Draw will start… pic.twitter.com/H1JhnBD9Wo
— Football Rankings (@FootRankings) July 31, 2024
