Arsenal finished third in the 36-team league stage and were one of eight teams seeded for the knockout rounds, but under the current rules the fixture schedule is determined by an open draw, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side little advantage from their impressive performances earlier in the competition.
Uefa officials have had talks about changing the regulations so seeded teams are guaranteed a second-leg tie at home throughout the competition until they meet another seed, at which point the team that finished higher in the league would play at home in the second leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side must overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg (Photo: Getty)The Spanish giants finished above Inter in the league phase, although the fact that they have home advantage in the second leg is purely down to chance.
Another idea under discussion is for the winners of the group stage to be guaranteed a last-16 tie against the lowest-ranked qualifier coming through the play-offs.
Arne Slot’s side finished top after winning their first seven matches, but were paired with PSG in the last 16 and lost on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
A more radical change that has been mooted is to abandon penalty shootouts in the qualifying play-offs to determine the final eight teams in the last 16, with the highest-ranked team in the group going through in the event of an aggregate draw.
Your next read
square FOOTBALLWho Liverpool should sign to replace Trent, according to transfer experts
square FOOTBALLNottingham Forest need to fix Chris Wood to save their Champions League dream
square FOOTBALLCarlisle United are proof that shortcuts rarely exist
square FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne is being naughty about his Man City exit – he should know better
The proposed changes are currently being discussed by Uefa’s football department, although they may not be introduced in time for next season’s competition.
There is only one remaining Executive Committee meeting before next season’s Champions League qualifiers begin in June, and that is scheduled to take place ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao in a fortnight, so any significant rule changes could be delayed until the 2026-27 season.
Uefa had faced pressure to scrap extra time to reduce the burden on players, but chose to keep it amid concerns that going straight to penalties would lead to more negative football.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Arsenal disadvantage prompts Uefa to consider Champions League rule change )
Also on site :