UEFA is considering scrapping extra time in the Champions League

UEFA is reportedly considering a radical change to its knockout-stage format by abolishing extra time in its top-tier European club competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

This potential change would mark yet another significant shift in the structure of European football, following the removal of the away goals rule, the introduction of the UEFA Conference League, and the upcoming overhaul of the Champions League format set to take effect from the 2024-25 season. However, UEFA has not yet officially placed this topic on the agenda, as confirmed by sources within the governing body’s headquarters in Nyon.

The discussion surrounding the possible removal of extra time stems from growing concerns over player fatigue and the increasingly congested football calendar. With domestic leagues, international fixtures, and club competitions stretching players to their limits, UEFA has been actively seeking solutions to reduce the workload on footballers while maintaining the integrity of its tournaments. The proposal to eliminate extra time in European knockout rounds is being informally explored as a means to mitigate the physical toll on players by preventing prolonged matches that extend beyond the standard 90 minutes.

Under the current rules, when a two-legged knockout tie ends in a draw on aggregate, teams must play 30 minutes of extra time two 15-minute halves before resorting to a penalty shootout if the deadlock remains. The proposed change would eliminate this intermediate step entirely, meaning that tied matches after 180 minutes would go straight to penalties. The idea is that this would shorten the total duration of games, reduce fatigue, and limit the risk of injuries for players who already face an intense match schedule across multiple competitions.

However, the proposal has already sparked debate regarding its necessity and potential impact on the drama of European football. Statistical evidence suggests that extra time is not a particularly frequent occurrence in the Champions League. Last season, only three matches in the knockout phase required extra time. The season before, there were none at all. In fact, looking back over the past decade, no more than three games per Champions League knockout campaign have gone beyond the regular 90 minutes. This raises questions about whether the removal of extra time would have a meaningful impact on reducing the strain on players.

Opponents of the idea argue that extra time adds to the excitement and drama of high-stakes European matches. It provides teams with an additional opportunity to win a match through open play rather than relying on the often unpredictable nature of penalty shootouts. Some of the most memorable moments in Champions League history have come in extra time, such as Liverpool’s triumph over Atlético Madrid in 2020, Real Madrid’s incredible comeback against Manchester City in 2022, and Chelsea’s famous win over Bayern Munich in the 2012 final. Removing extra time would fundamentally alter the way knockout matches unfold and could diminish the tension and spectacle that fans have come to associate with European nights.

On the other hand, supporters of the proposed change argue that most teams become overly cautious during extra time, opting for a defensive approach in an attempt to reach penalties rather than risk conceding a goal. This can lead to slower, more conservative football, reducing the excitement for spectators. A direct transition to penalties could ensure a more dynamic conclusion to matches while also reducing the overall strain on players.

While UEFA has not officially confirmed that this proposal is under serious consideration, its exploration of the idea suggests that the governing body is open to further innovations aimed at optimizing the structure of its competitions. Any potential rule change would likely require consultation with clubs, players, and national federations before being implemented.

If UEFA decides to move forward with the abolition of extra time, the earliest possible implementation would likely be for the 2025-26 season, given that major format changes for European competitions are already set for 2024-25. The transition could also be tested in secondary tournaments such as the Europa League or Conference League before being introduced to the Champions League.

As discussions continue behind the scenes, UEFA will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of eliminating extra time. The decision will have significant implications for players, clubs, and fans, shaping the future of European football. Whether this change ultimately materializes remains to be seen, but it is clear that the governing body is actively exploring ways to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern game.