Champions League draw: where teams would pick their last-16 opponents!

According to reports, UEFA had allegedly contemplated implementing a draft system similar to that of the United States for the Champions League round of 16 draw, granting teams the liberty to select their adversaries.

UEFA is preparing to implement a new draw system, with different draw methods being taken into account. It is probable that a seeding system inspired by tennis will be adopted.

Champions League draw

WHAT HAPPENED?:

UEFA is currently considering making substantial changes to the format of the Champions League in order to tackle the persistent problems of financial inequalities and competitive balance. The proposed plan for the next season includes switching to a 36-team open league structure, with each team facing eight matches against various opponents. Following these games, eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while the other 16 will compete in a playoff round.

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

UEFA has chosen to address the logistical difficulties associated with a traditional draw for the opening stage by implementing a hybrid system that combines digital and manual components. This approach, supervised by well-known companies like Ernst and Young, is intended to enhance efficiency. The Independent reported that UEFA's decision was based on their analysis, which revealed that a standard draw could potentially last up to four hours and involve as many as 900 balls.

General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis put forward the concept of seeded teams selecting their opponents during a televised event, in which the team that had emerged as the group stage winner would have the opportunity to choose from 15 other teams. Nevertheless, the proposal was promptly rejected by the other participants in the conversation.

UEFA is set to eliminate the knockout stage draw:

UEFA is set to make a daring decision by eliminating the traditional draw format for the knockout stage and introducing a tennis-style seeding system. This strategic change aims to elevate the importance of teams' performance in the initial league phase and motivate them to strive for higher rankings.

WHAT NEXT?

Although the precise intricacies and particulars are still being refined, it is anticipated that the governing body will predominantly opt for the aforementioned tennis-style seeding approach. Nevertheless, this system may face scrutiny from different factions, as some may perceive it as favoring the larger clubs.