UEFA is considering a significant change to the Champions League knockout rounds by potentially scrapping extra time and sending matches straight to penalties. The move is being discussed as part of broader efforts to manage fixture congestion for top clubs, but it is unlikely to be implemented before the current television rights cycle ends in 2027.
The proposal has gained traction due to increasing concerns about player workload, particularly with the expanded Champions League group stage that now requires teams to play a minimum of eight games. The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, featuring 12 European teams, further adds to the already intense schedules of elite clubs. As a result, removing extra time from two-legged ties is seen as a way to slightly ease the burden on players while maintaining the competitiveness of the tournament.
Extra time has been a long-debated issue in European football, with many stakeholders voicing concerns about its impact on player fatigue. Players’ unions have argued that cutting out an additional 30 minutes from crucial fixtures could help minimize the risk of injuries and improve overall performance levels. While domestic competitions have already made concessions—such as the removal of FA Cup replays in England—UEFA’s potential decision to remove extra time from its club competitions would mark a significant change in how high-stakes matches are decided.
One of the key arguments in favor of the change is that it could provide a more level playing field for underdog teams. Smaller clubs with fewer squad resources often struggle to compete in extra time against wealthier opponents with deeper benches. A direct transition to penalties would eliminate the physical advantage that better-funded teams often enjoy in prolonged matches.
Broadcasters may also view the change positively, as it would reduce the risk of schedule disruptions caused by long, drawn-out matches. Penalty shootouts provide a dramatic and compact conclusion to games, potentially increasing viewer engagement and ensuring predictable programming times.
Despite the discussions, recent Champions League seasons have seen relatively few matches go into extra time. In the 2023-24 season, only three ties from the round of 16 onwards required an additional period, while none did in 2022-23. The Europa League saw a slightly higher frequency, with four matches extending beyond 90 minutes last season, down from six the year before. While extra time has historically provided thrilling moments, its overall usage has been limited in recent years.
UEFA has yet to make any official proposal regarding the abolition of extra time, with discussions so far remaining informal. Any change would require approval from UEFA’s executive committee, which previously introduced a major alteration to club competitions by abolishing the away goals rule in 2021.
Precedent for removing extra time already exists within UEFA competitions. In 2023, the governing body eliminated extra time from the UEFA Super Cup, meaning tied matches now go directly to penalties. If the same principle were applied to the Champions League knockout rounds, it would mark a continuation of this trend toward shorter and more intense match conclusions.
While the final decision remains uncertain, the growing momentum behind the idea suggests that UEFA is seriously considering a shift in format. If implemented, the change would alter the dynamics of high-stakes European fixtures, potentially benefiting both player welfare and the entertainment value of knockout-stage matches.
