UEFA is reportedly exploring the possibility of abolishing extra time in the knockout stages of the Champions League, moving straight to penalties to decide tied matches.
The discussions, aimed at reducing player workload, are gaining momentum, though no immediate changes are expected before the current TV rights cycle ends in 2027, according to The Guardian UK.
With the Champions League set to expand its group stage format from the 2024/25 season and the FIFA Club World Cup also increasing in size, concerns over fixture congestion have intensified.
Extra time has long been seen as an added burden for players, particularly those involved in summer qualifiers and international tournaments.
Supporters of the proposal argue that scrapping extra time would help ease the physical strain on players, while also benefiting clubs with smaller squads, creating a more level playing field.
Broadcasters, too, could welcome the change, as it would lead to more predictable scheduling and avoid lengthy match overruns.
However, UEFA has not yet formally proposed the idea for ratification by its executive committee, though the topic has been informally raised.
Whether the governing body will push forward with the reform remains to be seen, but the debate around extra time in elite football is clearly gathering pace.