What are the new Champions League rules?

"Clubs can admit the temporary replacement of just one outfield player who is ruled out for an extended period of time, with a long-term injury or illness. The rule is applicable during the league phase until matchday six (9-10 December). This adaption ensures that squad lists are not unfairly reduced. Uefa said it is also to safeguard players from "additional workload pressure". The amendment is to all Uefa men's club competitions."

"Teams that are ranked one to four after the league phase will play the second leg of the quarter-final stages at home. For the semi-final, teams ranked one and two will also play the second leg at home. If a seeded team is beaten in either round, the team that has eliminated them will take over the seeding position in the bracket path. Last season, Arsenal, who were seeded third, played the second legs of their quarter-final and semi-final away."

"Although not a change in the regulations, Uefa have brought forward the kick-off time for the Champions League final to 17:00 BST from the 2025-26 season onwards. Uefa said the decision to switch from a 20:00 BST kick-off is to "enhance the matchday experience and benefit fans, teams and host cities". The new time also provides a more accessible broadcasting window - meaning the final can reach a broader range of audiences."

The 2025-26 Champions League continues under the revised format with several rule changes. Clubs may temporarily replace one outfield player ruled out long-term by injury or illness during the league phase up to matchday six; the amendment applies across UEFA men's club competitions to protect squads and reduce player workload. Clubs must submit 25-player squad lists. Teams ranked 1-4 after the league phase host the second leg of quarter-finals; teams ranked 1-2 host the second leg of semi-finals, and an eliminator inherits the seeding of any beaten seeded team. The final kick-off moves to 17:00 BST to widen accessibility.

Read at www.bbc.com