UEFA is preparing to revamp the Futsal Champions League format for the upcoming season. The proposed changes, pending approval, will significantly alter the competition’s structure. Currently, teams compete in an elite round with four groups, but this will be replaced by two-legged knockout rounds in the 2025-26 season.
The motivation behind these changes stems from several factors. During the pandemic, UEFA temporarily modified the tournament format, using single-match playoffs and expanding the final stage to eight teams instead of four. This experience proved successful and aligned with demands from top European clubs.
The new format aims to ensure that each participating team plays at least one, potentially two home matches before the Final Four stage. This change addresses previous criticisms from clubs about tournament logistics, including concerns about venue selection, broadcast rights, and financial compensation.
Interestingly, the UEFA Futsal Champions League currently does not provide prize money to its champion, despite the significant costs clubs incur participating in the competition. Teams can spend up to 60,000 euros to compete, with only a modest 10,000 euro subsidy per phase.
The upcoming elite round will feature Spanish teams Illes Balears Palma Futsal and Jimbee Cartagena competing in their respective groups. Palma Futsal, a two-time continental champion, will face teams from Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and Poland. Jimbee Cartagena will compete against teams from Italy, Latvia, and Romania.
Other groups will include matches in Lisbon, featuring a Portuguese derby, and in Zagreb, with Croatian teams facing off. The tournament continues to attract international talent, with coaches and players from various countries participating.
