Champions League: What are the new rules for the 2025-26 season?

ByTasnim Chowdhury

BBC Sport journalist

The 2025-26 Champions League season is the second to take place under a new format.

There are some slight changes to the competition since last season.

BBC Sport take a look at the new rules.

Long-term injury to outfield players

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.

Clubs have to submit a squad list of 25 players to the Champions League.

Seedings for quarter and semi-finals

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.

The new ruling is to rectify this issue from last season.

Earlier kick-off time for final

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.

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