English dominance of Champions League group phase prompts debate

Clubs have taken their concerns to Uefa A number of European clubs have called on Uefa to change the Champions League rules and allow teams from the same country to draw each other in the league phase. It comes amid concerns that the growing power of the Premier League is having a negative impact on teams from other countries. Since the new Champions League format was introduced for the 2024-25 season country protection - which means no teams from the same league can play each other - has remained in place for the eight games that make up the first phase of the competition. It is then removed for all the knockout rounds. But with three English clubs in Pot 1 for this season's league phase, draw conditions had to be placed upon the non-English clubs in order for the rule to be respected. Teams felt aggrieved that it effectively increased the chances of a harder draw. It meant Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid all had to play two games against Premier League teams. Some were forced to take Arsenal , Spurs or Newcastle from Pots 2, 3 and 4 to avoid deadlocking the draw. For instance, PSG and Barcelona had to be given a fixture against Newcastle from Pot 4. Without the restriction they could have faced Kairat Almaty or Pafos. On paper at least, being forced to play the Magpies is more difficult. Four English teams out in 24 hours - what happened and why? Slot needed a performance - and Liverpool delivered one Is Premier League still on for fifth Champions League spot? An open draw could lead to Premier League teams having to play each other. The seeding pots would remain but it could also lead to an all-Spanish match, such as Real Madrid v Barcelona, in the league phase. Of the six English teams in the competition this season, five finished in the top eight with Newcastle going through to the knockout play-off round. But there has been disagreement - even within clubs from the same league who are against the prospect of being drawn against each other. Other clubs would prefer the rule to go the other way and see country protection reintroduced in the early knockout rounds. Last month, PSG played fellow Ligue 1 club AS Monaco in the knockout play-off round. And in the 2024-25 season, PSG took on another French club in Brest. With country protection reapplied, this would not be possible. Discussions remain open but with so many differing views there is unlikely to be any changes in the near future. But with the Premier League almost certain to have at least five clubs in the competition next season, and probably three in Pot 1 again, the issue is likely to resurface. Latest Champions League table Champions League scores & fixtures Follow the latest Champions League news Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Famous night for Forest in season to largely forget Villa's maybe men edge closer to finishing the job Who will be England's World Cup number 10? Tuchel's selection dilemmas A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Follow Greg James on his most gruelling challenge yet Revisit This Life and celebrate 30 years of a 1990s classic Join Shazia Mirza as she shares her journey with Islam The Man Utd prodigy still too young to play senior football How Gray is proving a shining light in Tottenham's season of turmoil 'I thought I'd be bleeped by BBC' - but Hunt's words resonate Salah scores 50th Champions League goal with 'vintage' strike Video Salah scores 50th Champions League goal with 'vintage' strike Newcastle collapse at Nou Camp as Barcelona score seven. Video Newcastle collapse at Nou Camp as Barcelona score seven Weekly sports quiz: Who is youngest top-flight scorer? Football In 10 Years: When Hugh met Jacqui met Nedum met Rory... Video Football In 10 Years: When Hugh met Jacqui met Nedum met Rory... Afcon final chaos - key questions answered What's behind Super League's injury crisis? Why ex-Palace winger Olise is now in Ballon d'Or contention at Bayern 'Being in Manchester has made me love nature so much more' Video 'Being in Manchester has made me love nature so much more' Inside the state school at the top of English rugby union 'Looking like the Hamilton of old' and potential rule changes - F1 Q&A Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? 'Haaland of rugby' - how Bielle-Biarrey has stormed stage Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.