Embracing Complexity: Champions League Draw Goes Digital

The Champions League is set to undergo a significant transformation next season, as a new, expanded format comes into effect. With 36 teams competing, the draw for the tournament will be conducted by a computer, a departure from the traditional manual process.

The complexity of the new format necessitates digital assistance, as manually conducting the draw would take up to four hours – as long as the Oscars ceremony. Each team will face eight opponents in the league phase, with a mix of home and away fixtures contributing to the formation of the table. From there, the top eight teams will progress to the round of 16, while 16 more will compete in playoffs to complete the knockout lineup.

The initial draw will see teams placed into four pots based on their UEFA ranking, similar to the existing format. However, teams will face opponents from their own pot and others, with additional considerations such as clubs from the same country being kept apart adding to the complexity.

To streamline the process, a computer programmed by a company in Hertfordshire will be utilized, ensuring fairness and security. The draws, which will be broadcasted, will be audited to maintain transparency.

Furthermore, the knockout stages will see the introduction of tennis-style seeding, where the top eight teams will be seeded based on their performance in the league phase, preventing top sides from facing each other until later stages.

Uefa’s deputy secretary, Giorgio Marchetti, describes the new format as the most revolutionary or evolutionary change in 30 years. With the ongoing turbulence in European club football, the success of this new format remains under intense scrutiny.

Despite the challenges, UEFA remains committed to distributing €1.2bn in solidarity payments each year and expanding opportunities for clubs to compete in Europe.

In conclusion, the digitalization of the Champions League draw marks a significant step towards embracing complexity and ensuring fairness in the competition’s new era.