The revamped qualification process for the new 36-team UEFA Champions League has been explained in a letter from the UEFA to all member associations. The distribution of the four extra berths in the group stage will be the most significant change from the 2024-25 season.
The number of Champions League participants will increase from 32 to 36 after the following season. For the 2024–25 season, the extended format will be in use, but UEFA has taken steps to inform teams of the increased qualification requirements beforehand. Starting in 2024, two top-placed leagues from the last season will be able to send a maximum of five teams to the Champions League group stage.
If the rules were to go into effect right away, the Serie A would receive five berths alongside the Premier League in the group stage. The associations that performed the best across all UEFA tournaments the previous season will receive the remaining two new spots. If their teams perform well in the Conference League or Europa League, this might give smaller associations more access to the Champions League.
According to the rating from last season, Serie A would have received a fifth club in the UCL along with the Premier League if the regulation had been put into place this season.
Last season’s ratings:
- England – 23.000
- Italy– 22.357
- Germany– 17.125
- Spain– 16.571
- Belgium– 14.200
UEFA decided to implement these modifications in part to mitigate the risk of a split-off Super League. Teams from the more competitive domestic leagues, where qualifying is more challenging, have campaigned for easier access to the group rounds. The adjustments are anticipated to provide the top leagues a chance to qualify for the Champions League's fifth berth.