Featured Image Credit: Getty / 20th Century Fox
Topics: UEFA, Champions League, Football
Ryan Smart
The new Champions League format will be implemented for this season - meaning the traditional group stage draw is also no more.
The new format will see an increase from 32 to 36 teams, with those teams playing eight matches each as part of a singular group stage.
At the end of the group stage, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16 phase, while the teams placed from ninth to 24th will contest the play-off round.
But how will the new Champions League group stage draw work? There are some similarities to the old format, as it turns out.
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Firstly, the 36 teams will each be seeded and divided into four pots of nine teams.
Then, an AI supercomputer - designed by an English firm - will choose their eight fixtures, having been programmed to include different variables including the ability to prevent teams from the same nation from facing each other in the group stages.
According to journalist Kaveh Solhekol, clubs can face a maximum of two other clubs from the same country in the opening phase.
It is claimed that the new draw will take approximately 35 minutes - compared to the approximate four-hour wait for the entire draw to be completed if it was done manually.
UEFA are said to be 'confident' that the draw is safe from any cyberattack - a new issue to contend with compared to when it is done manually.
The draw will take place in Monte Carlo, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa representing English football this season.
Italy and Germany both have five teams in the draw through their superior UEFA co-efficient from last season.
As for draw supremos Giorgio Marchetti and Pedro Pinto, football fans will have to wait and see what part they will have to play in the new computerised system.
The 2024/25 Champions League group stage will take place on Thursday at 5pm UK time in Monte Carlo.