Will extra time be removed from UEFA Champions League?

UEFA is exploring further improvements to the Champions League following the introduction of an exciting new format this season. 

In recent years, European football's prestigious tournament has made notable changes, including the elimination of away goals and the traditional group stages. Now, UEFA executives are considering the potential benefits of removing extra time in the knockout stages of the competition.

UEFA to remove extra-time in knockout fixtures 

Discussions are actively progressing regarding the potential elimination of extra time to decrease the overall match duration for top clubs, as highlighted by the Guardian. If implemented, this change would result in tied Champions League knockout matches going directly to penalties after the standard 90 minutes.

However, it is important to note that introducing such changes is seen as unlikely during the ongoing television rights cycle.

The proposed changes suggest a timeline that would not see enforcement until at least 2027. In recent years, both managers and players have expressed valid concerns regarding the increasing number of matches and the hours logged by top clubs across Europe.

Popular football icons like Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thibaut Courtois, and Kevin De Bruyne have actively raised awareness about the challenges posed by fixture congestion.

Any step in this regard from UEFA is essential and could be considered the first step towards easing the gruelling schedule in European competition.

So far, domestic competitions have been heavily impacted by adjustments, with the FA Cup controversially eliminating replays. In contrast, European tournaments have seen an expansion of the Champions League, introducing a new league phase that mandates all teams to play a minimum of eight matches.

The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup will bring 12 elite teams from Europe faced with an even busier summer schedule. Eliminating extra time is a necessary step to provide teams with much-needed relief amidst their packed fixtures.