Internal reports reaching Softfootball today suggest that UEFA believe the new UEFA Champions League format has been a resounding success. Fans are enjoying the constant big matches and the never-ending action throughout the competition.
However, UEFA also admit that the changes have seriously impacted the UEFA Europa League. Viewership has reportedly dropped by over 50%, mainly because Champions League teams no longer “relegate” into the Europa League, reducing the presence of high-profile clubs.
We can confirm that this is the true situation, especially in the 2025/2026 season where the new league format created several high-profile clashes early in the competition.
For example, Manchester City faced Real Madrid in the round of 16, with Madrid winning 5:1 on aggregate. Also, Chelsea faced Paris Saint-Germain in the same round, ending in an 8:2 aggregate scoreline.
There is now a strong possibility that UEFA could review the system. One option could be returning to the old format, where teams knocked out before the quarter-finals drop into the Europa League to boost its competitiveness and viewership.
On the other hand, clubs like Chelsea, who may not qualify for next season’s Champions League but could feature in the Europa League, might help increase interest due to their global fanbase and visibility.
