UEFA has revealed a huge Champions League rule adjustment, just days before Europe’s premier club championship begins. Arsenal, Tottenham, and Real Madrid are all scheduled to compete on September 16 as the tournament’s second campaign under the new league phase format begins.
The opening matchweek is jam-packed with drama, with Chelsea traveling to Germany to face Bayern Munich, Premier League champions Liverpool hosting Atletico Madrid in a rematch of their dramatic 2020 Round of 16 exit, and Newcastle hosting Barcelona at St James’ Park in what promises to be a blockbuster match.
As part of the concept, each team will play eight different opponents throughout the league stage, sparking worries about fixture congestion and scheduling. The focus this week, however, is on a late revision to squad regulations – a change that could provide an unexpected lifeline to players who were initially left off the 25-man roster.
UEFA Makes Late Change To European Competition Squad Rules.
Good news for Premier League clubs: UEFA has stated that they will be free to modify their submitted teams during the league phase. This also applies to those in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, according to UEFA’s stance on the subject:
“The Executive Committee adopted an addition to the 2025/26 UEFA men’s club competition regulations that allows for the temporary replacement of up to one outfield player with a long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday 6.
“The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”
It is unclear what UEFA would define as a “long-term injury or illness,” but the adjustment could give ignored individuals a late chance to rejoin their club’s team if one of the original selections is sidelined. In Liverpool’s scenario, it could allow Federico Chiesa to play in the league stage.
The Italian international has impressed since returning to form at the start of the season, with his dramatic late winner against Bournemouth on the opening weekend leading Arne Slot and his recruitment team to reverse their decision and label him “unsellable.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea could take advantage of the regulation change by replacing Liam Delap in their Champions League squad after the attacker sustained a hamstring injury that is set to sideline him for up to ten weeks. His absence may clear the way for new signing Facundo Buonanotte, who was disgruntled when he was left off the first list.
Mathys Tel stated during France Under-21 duty last week that his personal exclusion “definitely hurts,” but determined to prove himself to Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank through his performances. Should Tottenham suffer an attacking injury in the autumn, Tel could potentially benefit.
xz
