In an effort to drastically cut down on the amount of time players spend on the field during the season, UEFA is actively considering eliminating extra time in the Champions League knockout stages.

Europe’s governing body is looking into possible regulatory adjustments to address player concerns about the unrelenting buildup of matches on a calendar that is increasingly full of domestic and international contests. Well-known football players have voiced their displeasure and threatened to go on strike if the issue is not handled. Notably, early in the season, when a wave of chronic ailments beset elite clubs throughout Europe, Rodri Hernández and Pep Guardiola expressed their frustrations.

However, UEFA has expanded the Champions League group stage with a format that requires teams to compete in at least eight matches, rather than addressing these concerns. Tensions within the players’ union have only increased since a Club World Cup was added this summer, which will include twelve European teams.

According to a trustworthy source, UEFA is currently attempting to reach a consensual solution. Cutting the playtime time to 30 minutes could help players and level the playing field for Europe’s top clubs. There were none in the previous 2022–2023 season, while only three of the sixteen knockout matches in the most recent Champions League season went to extra time.

The idea to do away with extra time is still in its early stages. According to the previously cited source, UEFA has admitted that no official proposal has been made as of yet and that the Executive Committee must ratify any changes. The elimination of the away goals rule in knockout stages in 2021 was the most recent major regulatory change.