UEFA Champions League format undergoes criticism following reforms

The UEFA Champions League has transitioned to a new 36-team, Swiss-style league phase, a move seen as an attempt to satisfy elite clubs following the failed European Super League breakaway attempt in 2021.

Critics argue the new format has failed to resolve issues present in the previous 32-team group stage, such as predictable outcomes and dead rubbers. While the new system increases the frequency of matches between major teams, it has also introduced new complexities. For example, the league phase allows teams to lose a significant number of games, such as five out of eight, and still potentially advance, which some suggest undermines the competitive integrity of the early stages of the tournament.