The framework of the new, extended version of Europe’s premier club championship is explained by AFP Sport ahead of the draw for the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, which takes place on Thursday in Monaco.
36 clubs—up from 32 in the previous iteration of the competition—will participate in the Champions League proper. Ligue 1 of France now has three automatic qualifiers since the fifth-best European league, based on UEFA’s ranking, has an extra spot. Additionally, each of the two leagues—Germany and Italy this year that had the greatest coefficient ranking from the previous season in UEFA competition would receive an additional berth. A national champion who wins the last additional berth will be determined by the qualifying rounds, which are scheduled to be finished this midweek.