UEFA is expected to propose significant rule changes ahead of next season’s Champions League.
This season, a 36-team league phase was established, with a new format. It saw all sides ranked together rather than separately.
The top eight clubs advanced directly to the final 16, while the remaining 16 teams competed in a play-off for a berth in the next round.
Under current rules, the top eight clubs are guaranteed to play the second leg of their final 16 matches at home. However, when it reaches the quarter-finals or semi-finals, that regulation is not applicable.
And there has been considerable criticism of Arsenal’s decision to play the second leg of their match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal finished third in the league rankings, while Madrid finished 11th.
However, the Daily Mail reports that UEFA will consider changing this policy for the next season. It is reported that there is a ‘growing view’ that conceding second legs in the final 16 matches is insufficient compensation for clubs that performed well in the league phase.
