The New European Performance Spots in the UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s top club competition is set to see the introduction of European Performance Spots in the 2024/25 season.
What Are the European Performance Spots?
The European Performance Spots are two extra places awarded to associations (countries) based on the collective performance of their clubs in the previous season’s UEFA men’s club competitions.
These performance spots allow associations to secure automatic places in the stage of the Champions League.
How Are the European Performance Spots Determined?
Association Club Coefficient
The association club coefficient is crucial in determining the European Performance Spots. It reflects the overall performance of clubs from a specific association.
To calculate the association club coefficient, UEFA divides the total number of club coefficient points obtained by each club from an association by the number of clubs from that association.
Top Associations: Italy and Germany
Italy and Germany finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the 2023/24 season association club coefficients. Thus, both will earn a European Performance Spot for the upcoming season.
Clubs from these associations will have an extra chance to compete in the group stage.
Current Beneficiaries: Roma and Borussia Dortmund
As it stands, Roma (from Italy) and Borussia Dortmund (from Germany) have already claimed automatic group stage places via the European Performance Spots.
Both associations have four automatic group stage spots for the 2024/25 season. Thus, the teams that finish in the top four in their respective leagues will be assured of a place in the group stage.
The European Performance Spots go to the 5th team in their respective league tables.
Additional Places
Beyond the European Performance Spots, there are two more slots:
- Slot Three: This place will go to the club ranked third in the championship of the association in 5th position in the access list (France). The access list is determined by the five-year UEFA Association Club coefficient ranking up to the end of the 2022/23 season.
- The remaining slots are determined through the qualifying rounds.
Why Do the European Performance Spots Matter?
Enhanced Competition
The European Performance Spots inject more competition into the Champions League. Clubs will battle for these coveted places, leading to intense matches and unpredictable outcomes.
Smaller clubs from these associations now have a better chance to showcase their talent on the grand stage.
Financial Implications
Participation in the group stage allows clubs to earn significant revenue from TV rights, sponsorships, and matchday income.
The European Performance Spots offer clubs an additional lifeline to secure these financial benefits.
In the end, the European Performance Spots represent a strategic move by UEFA to elevate the Champions League experience. They will enhance competition, inject more revenue into the clubs, and ignite more passionate support from the fans.