UEFA is preparing to implement major rule changes in the upcoming Champions League season, especially in the way of determining the match fixtures.
UEFA has launched an innovative 36-team Champions League phase, transitioning from the traditional team phase.
In this new format, all participating clubs are ranked together rather than divided into separate groups.
The first eight teams in this stage automatically advance to the knockout stage and secure their position in the last 16 games of the game.
Meanwhile, the remaining 16 teams face off in the playoffs to determine who will join them in the next round.
For now, existing regulations guarantee that the first eight clubs will hold the second leg of the last 16 games at their home court.
However, this advantage does not extend to quarter-finals or semi-finals, where matching positions are usually based on the overall seeding and result.
This has sparked huge debate, especially in specific games. For example, Arsenal, which finished third in the league stage, will be asked to rank third in the last 16 areas of the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with Real Madrid, although Real Madrid finished 11th in the same stage.
This difference has attracted criticism from fans and analysts, questioning the fairness of the current structure.
The latest report from the Daily Mail shows that UEFA policymakers are increasingly aware of these issues and are considering adjustments to the next season.
There is an increasing sentiment within the organization that the current rules (which only provide home court advantages in the last 16 games) may not be rewarded enough for clubs that are outstanding in the league stage.
