Overview

• UEFA announces new format for Women's Champions League from 2025-26 season, increasing direct qualifiers to nine teams from current four.
• The new format will include champions of the six top-ranked national associations, the previous season's winners, and runners-up of the two top-ranked associations.
• The change follows criticism of the current format where only four teams qualify directly for a 16-team group stage.
• UEFA also confirms the introduction of a second women's European competition, which will be a straight knockout format.
• The new format aims to allow more teams to compete in Europe and provide further incentive for investment at domestic level.