UEFA Make Major Champions League Rule Change After Arsenal Complaint

 Saturday marks the end of the tournament’s first season under the new 36-team format, with Paris Saint-Germain facing Inter Milan in the final in Munich.

Arsenal fans may still be feeling disappointed after narrowly missing out on the final, having been eliminated by PSG in the semi-finals.

After an impressive victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, Arsenal were unable to get past PSG in the semis.

The format of the competition, which debuted this season, caused some controversy. Under the current structure, the top eight teams from the league phase automatically progress to the last 16, while teams finishing 9th to 24th must compete in a play-off to fill the remaining spots.

Arsenal ended the league phase in third, with six wins, one draw, and one loss. After defeating PSV comfortably in the round of 16, they were matched with Real Madrid, but had to play the second leg of each knockout tie away from home.

Traditionally, playing the second leg at home is seen as an advantage. Given Arsenal’s higher league phase ranking compared to Madrid (11th) and PSG (15th), they might have expected to benefit from that advantage—but they didn’t.

Despite beating Madrid, Arsenal couldn’t overcome PSG, and they voiced frustration with the format. However, UEFA plans to adjust the rules starting next season.

From the 2025/26 campaign onward, higher-ranked teams from the league phase will be guaranteed a home fixture in the second leg of the knockout rounds—a change UEFA is expected to approve soon, according to football.london.