UEFA is considering eliminating extra time in Champions League knockout rounds to ease player workload, with discussions gaining traction.
According to The Guardian UK, the proposal would see matches go straight to penalties after regulation time, though any changes are unlikely before the current TV rights cycle ends in 2027.
Concerns over congested schedules, particularly with the expanded Champions League format and the FIFA Club World Cup, have fueled the debate.
Supporters of the idea argue that scrapping extra time would:
Reduce strain on players, especially those in summer qualifying rounds.
Help clubs with smaller squads compete more fairly.
Provide broadcasters with more predictable match durations.
UEFA acknowledged that the issue has been informally discussed but has not yet been formally proposed for approval by its executive committee.
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