Published: December 10, 2024 at 11:00pm
Kyle Anderson
Columnist
Kylian Mbappe was subbed off due to injury in the first half of Real Madrid's UCL tie against Atalanta.
BERGAMO, ITALY: As the dust settles on the first-ever league phase of the revamped UEFA Champions League, the backlash from players and fans has reached a boiling point. What was touted as an innovative approach to Europe's most prestigious club competition has quickly turned into a nightmare, with players exhausted, injuries piling up, and supporters decrying the loss of the tournament's traditional excitement.
The expanded format, which saw 36 teams each play eight different opponents instead of the previous six group-stage matches, has proven to be a brutal test of endurance. Clubs across Europe are grappling with an unprecedented injury crisis, with key stars sidelined due to the relentless schedule. Elite managers, including Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, have publicly criticized UEFA for prioritizing revenue over player welfare.
Beyond the physical toll, fans have been left disillusioned by a competition that now feels bloated and unnecessarily complicated. The old group stage, while sometimes predictable, at least provided clarity and meaningful rivalries. The new format's convoluted league table, where teams face different opponents and qualification scenarios are harder to track, has left many fans disengaged.
As UEFA looks ahead to the knockout rounds, the question remains: Will the governing body acknowledge the growing dissent, or will financial interests continue to trump the well-being of the sport? One thing is certain - if this season has shown anything, it's that the new Champions League format may have been a step in the wrong direction.
