UEFA considers scrapping extra time in Champions League knockouts

European football’s governing body, UEFA, is weighing the possibility of removing extra time from Champions League knockout rounds to alleviate the physical burden on top clubs.

Under the proposed changes, matches tied after regulation time would proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

According to a report by The Guardian, UEFA’s considerations stem from mounting concerns over player welfare, as elite clubs continue to face an increasingly congested fixture calendar.

However, any amendments to the tournament’s format are unlikely before the current TV rights cycle expires in 2027.

Extra time has long been a contentious issue among football stakeholders, with many arguing that the additional minutes exacerbate fatigue and heighten the risk of injuries.

Former footballer and sports analyst Gary Neville weighed in on the debate, stating, “Players are playing an unprecedented number of matches. Extra time, while historically significant, may be an unnecessary strain in an already packed schedule.”

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UEFA’s decision to review extra time comes in the wake of the newly expanded Champions League format, which now guarantees each team a minimum of eight group-stage games, up from six.

Additionally, the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States this summer, will see 12 European clubs participating, further intensifying fixture congestion.

Statistics indicate that extra time is becoming increasingly rare in UEFA competitions. Last season, only three Champions League knockout matches required an additional 30 minutes of play, while none reached extra time in the 2022-23 campaign.

The Europa League has also seen a decline in extra-time encounters, with just four fixtures going the distance in 2023-24 compared to six the previous year.

Football strategist and former UEFA official Alex Bower commented, “The game is evolving, and the emphasis should be on maintaining player health and competitive balance. Removing extra time could provide a fairer, more efficient resolution while keeping the excitement of penalties.”

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While UEFA has yet to make an official announcement, the potential scrapping of extra time is expected to spark significant debate among clubs, players, and fans.

If implemented, it could mark a major shift in European football’s knockout-stage dynamics, influencing strategies and match outcomes for years to come.