
UEFA is considering abolishing extra time in the Champions League knockout stages starting from the 2027/28 season, according to The Guardian.
Internal discussions within the organisation have raised concerns over the increasing number of minutes played by top clubs, with officials exploring ways to reduce player fatigue. The potential change would coincide with the end of the current television rights cycle.
This season, UEFA expanded both the number of participants and matches in the Champions League. As a result, cutting 30 minutes from two-legged knockout ties is seen as a minor adjustment in the broader context of fixture congestion.
If approved, this change could have a significant impact on clubs like Chelsea, who frequently compete deep into European competitions and manage intense fixture schedules across multiple tournaments.