Big changes might be coming to the Champions League.
According to BILD, UEFA is considering removing extra time from the knockout stages of the competition. If two teams are tied after both legs, the match would go straight to penalties, cutting out the usual 30 minutes of added play.
What’s the Reason?
The idea is being discussed as part of UEFA’s broader effort to reduce player fatigue and manage an increasingly packed calendar. With the expanded Champions League format on the horizon, fixture congestion is a real concern. Scrapping extra time could be one way to protect players while keeping matches intense and decisive.
What's the impact?
This would be one of the most significant changes to the tournament format in recent years. Extra time has produced countless iconic moments in Champions League history, clutch goals, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable drama. Going straight to penalties might save legs, but it would also eliminate that extra window for magic.
What’s Next?
The proposal is still under discussion and hasn’t been approved yet. If UEFA gives it the green light, the change could take effect as early as next season.
For now, fans, players, and clubs will wait to see if one of football’s oldest traditions is about to be rewritten.
