UEFA introduces the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League draw with a new format, which will be presented during the draw on 2024/25 UEFA Champions League taking place in Switzerland on Thursday.
The new pattern of this contest will introduce the "League Phase" which will be inspired by the Swiss Model replacing the traditional group stage which changes the way teams match up and progress to the knockout rounds greatly. This year the competition will be the 36 participating clubs and accordingly, the Union of European Football Associations will introduce a new draw system. The 36 clubs are placed in league tables to determine the matchups and knockout rounds.
The AI software makes the decisions. Although the old custom of drawing balls out of the pools remains, it is the AI that will handle most of the scheduling tasks with the human role mainly being of a formality type. For the US audience, the UEFA Champions League draw will be only available on Paramount+ for live-streaming production, while CBS Sports will broadcast live. UEFA.tv will live stream the draw in those areas that are not covered by partners. The draw is set for Thursday, August 29, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, with incoming tosses for the continuation of the knockout phase in 2025 early.
The new more quick and efficient way despite possible questions about AI impartiality and transparency in matchmaking will lead to overall excitement. With this change of UEFA from the past and being such a different aspect, this drawing of the year becomes a moment of more restricted and focused interest, including for the fans of football and analysts...
