UEFA Tweaks Champions League Regulation To Support Squad Balance And Workload

Last Updated:September 13, 2025, 14:34 IST

Sides are now permitted to temporarily draft in one outfield player to cover for a team-mate who suffers a long-term injury or illness up until the sixth gameweek.

UCL, UWCL, UEL and UECL Trophies. (X)

UEFA has announced a significant update to its Champions League rules that allows clubs an opportunity to adjust their squads during the league stage. Sides are now permitted to temporarily draft in one outfield player to cover for a team-mate who suffers a long-term injury or illness if the change is made before the sixth matchday.

UEFA said that this rule is designed to support clubs in keeping their squads well-balanced while also easing the workload of the players. The change will give teams greater flexibility to manage absences and maintain performance levels across an increasingly demanding fixture schedule.

The UEFA statement said, “The Executive Committee approved an amendment to the 2025/26 UEFA men’s club competitions’ regulations to admit the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player with long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday 6 included."

UEFA explained the rationale by saying, “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure."

In recent years, voices of discontent have grown louder among players and managers over the relentless nature of the football calendar. Many feel there has been a persistent lack of consideration from those in charge when it comes to managing players’ welfare and workload.

The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League each limit team squads to a maximum of 25 players. There are also specific requirements for homegrown and club-trained talent in place. These regulations have already caused challenges for several managers this season, who have had to make tough decisions on player inclusion.

The broader squad regulations are currently unchanged. However, the finer details of how this new rule will be implemented are yet to be fully explained.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced criticism for omitting winger Federico Chiesa from his Champions League squad, while Chelsea chose not to register Facundo Buonanotte, despite the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee expressing his eagerness to feature in the tournament.

At the same time, Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to exclude Mathys Tel surprised many, especially considering the French forward was recently signed from Bayern Munich for £30 million.

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