UEFA has confirmed changes to the 2025/26 Champions League. The second-leg venue will now be decided by merit, not random draw, following Arsenal's complaints.

Chelsea will have been "surprised" by the size of the fine that UEFA dished out to them for failing their financial rules.

UEFA scraps random second-leg allocation following Arsenal draws against Real Madrid and PSG.Photo by David Ramos/Getty ImagesUEFA has confirmed a significant rule change to its Champions League

The footballing community is in an uproar once more as UEFA introduces major rule reforms for the 2025/26 Champions League campaign. Some changes seek to right historic wrongs, whereas others have already set tongues wagging among fans and commentators.

A controversial rule change from UEFA will only benefit two Champions League teams in the new season. The governing body has confirmed new seeding rules for the knockout stages of the tournament, with home advantage in second legs now determined by merit rather than random draws.

UEFA's decision means teams that finish between third and sixth in the league phase cannot get home priority in the Champions League semifinals.

UEFA have confirmed the new seeding regulations for the Champions League knockout rounds that will impact Liverpool

The Champions League qualifiers began on Tuesday evening and UEFA are preparing to announce a two-fold rule change for the tournament proper which isn't going down well with football fans

Chelsea's return to the UEFA Champions League after two seasons is already facing a major challenge as the Blues have been handed a massive sanction.

UEFA Champions League edition begins this Tuesday (8) with the first leg matches of the playoffs' first phase.There are fourteen matches in total, with the return matches taking place