UEFA Considering Scrapping Extra Time in Champions League Playoffs

According to The Guardian, discussions within UEFA about eliminating extra time in Champions League playoff matches are gaining momentum.

The report states that skipping extra time and proceeding directly to penalty shootouts is being seriously considered. However, implementing such a change mid-cycle of the ongoing TV rights deal until 2027 is deemed unlikely.

Extra time has long been a debate among stakeholders in European football, with some player unions firmly arguing that its removal would help alleviate the strain of an already packed schedule.

Only three Champions League matches from the Round of 16 onwards went into extra time last season, while no games required extra time in the 2022/2023 season.

Published by Patrick Jane
06.02.2025