Champions League: UEFA announces a change to its regulations | OneFootball

Champions League

UEFA has made a change to one of its rules in the Champions League this Thursday.

From now on, in the Champions League, clubs will be allowed to temporarily replace an outfield player who is injured or unavailable for a long period up until matchday 6 of the league phase. Previously, this option was reserved exclusively for goalkeepers, but it has now been extended to outfield players to prevent squads from being depleted in the event of serious setbacks. UEFA explains that this decision is aimed at protecting players from fixture congestion and providing more flexibility for participating clubs.

The statement from the European body: "The Executive Committee has approved an amendment to the regulations of the UEFA men's club competitions for the 2025/26 season to allow the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player suffering from a long-term injury or illness during the league phase, up to and including matchday 6. The reason for this change is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and to protect players from additional pressure due to workload."