Introduction of the Swiss Model in the Champions League
The UEFA Champions League will unveil a new format next month, featuring the ‘Swiss Model’. This season’s draw, scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, August 29), will significantly differ from the traditional eight-groups-of-four setup.
Understanding the Swiss Model Format
The new ‘league phase’ will replace the previous ‘group phase’, combining all teams into a single table. The competition will expand to 36 teams, increasing from the previous 32, and each team will compete in eight matches rather than the six from past seasons. This means that a total of 189 matches will occur in the competition, culminating with the final in Munich on May 31.
UEFA aims for this new structure to create more exciting matchups earlier in the tournament. Teams will be facing varied opponents, enhancing the competitive spirit and giving clubs from lower pots a better chance to earn points.
The Draw Format Changes
This year’s draw will differ significantly, utilizing four pots of nine, with each pot seeded by coefficient. Most teams will be drawn based on their UEFA coefficients, but the defending champions, Real Madrid, will be exempt from this rule.
The draw process will shift towards an automated system. While teams will still be manually drawn, an automated component will reveal their eight opponents along with their home or away status. Each team will face two teams from each pot during this phase.
Rules Regarding National Clubs and Draw Automation
In the first phase, clubs from the same nation will not face each other unless a ‘deadlock’ situation occurs. The new software will adhere to this rule, along with a maximum restriction of two teams from any other association.
UEFA is modernizing the draw process to save time, as a fully manual draw could take over three hours. Officials expect the automated system will allow the draw to be completed in approximately 35 minutes.
Technology Behind the Draw
UEFA has collaborated with AE Live to develop the software for the automated draw, aiming for transparency and security. Renowned firm Ernst and Young will oversee the process to ensure compliance with UEFA’s rules and algorithmic fairness.
In the event of a software failure, there are fail-safes and independent checking systems to maintain integrity throughout the draw process, including measures against cyber-attacks.
Anticipated Outcomes and Fixture Announcements
While the final lineup for the draw will be confirmed tonight, UEFA estimates a very low probability of facing the toughest opponents in the new format — just 0.00006%. Fixtures will not be announced on the same day, but will be revealed by Saturday, August 31.
The draw itself will take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco at 5pm BST/12pm ET on Thursday, followed by draws for the Europa League and Conference League on the subsequent day.
For fans, the draw can be followed live via UEFA’s website and partner networks including TNT Sports in the UK and Paramount in the United States.
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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