"Since the new Champions League format was introduced for the 2024-25 season country protection - which means no teams from the same league can play each other - has remained in place for the eight games that make up the first phase of the competition. It is then removed for all the knockout rounds. But with three English clubs in Pot 1 for this season's league phase, draw conditions had to be placed upon the non-English clubs in order for the rule to be respected."
"Teams felt aggrieved that it effectively increased the chances of a harder draw. It meant Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid all had to play two games against Premier League teams. Some were forced to take Arsenal, Spurs or Newcastle from Pots 2, 3 and 4 to avoid deadlocking the draw."
"For instance, PSG and Barcelona had to be given a fixture against Newcastle from Pot 4. Without the restriction they could have faced Kairat Almaty or Pafos. On paper at least, being forced to pay the Magpies is more difficult."
European clubs are requesting changes to Champions League regulations to eliminate country protection rules that prevent teams from the same nation from facing each other in the league phase. The concern stems from the growing strength of the Premier League, which has three clubs in Pot 1 this season. Current rules require non-English clubs to face two Premier League teams each, creating harder draws than they would otherwise receive. For example, PSG and Barcelona were forced to play Newcastle instead of weaker opponents like Kairat Almaty or Pafos. While removing country protection could theoretically allow English clubs to play each other, some European clubs support this change despite disagreement within their own leagues about the proposal.
#champions-league-reform #country-protection-rules #premier-league-dominance #draw-regulations #european-football-competition
Read at www.bbc.com
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