Champions League format changes set to be introduced by UEFA from 2024/25 could see Man United and Manchester City meet in the group stages of the competition
Changes to the format of the Champions League being introduced next season could lead to Manchester United and Man City being drawn in the same group, should both sides qualify for next year's competition.
But changes are afoot, with the Champions League set to expand from 32 sides taking part this season to 36 teams for the 2024/25 season onwards. With more teams in the tournament, UEFA could hand the Premier League a fifth qualification spot - although that will be based on the upcoming season's performances compared to other nations.Under the changes, UEFA will introduce its 'Swiss system' in which teams will be placed into a league table.
Such a scenario is not guaranteed, with the draw for group stage fixtures being made from four pots of nine teams each. However, UEFA will allow one game against domestic opponents if there is a deadlock in the process. The knockout rounds will also be altered, with UEFA adopting a fully-seeded, tennis-style format in the hope that it will keep the biggest sides apart for the longest possible time. For example, the two teams who finish first and second in the group stage table will be drawn on opposite sides, meaning they could not meet until the final.
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