UEFA are considering whether to change Champions League and Europa League knockout round fixtures to one-off ties after the success of the format at the last tournament back in August.

Due to the global health crisis, the knockout stages were held in one country over a number of weeks with the two-legged ties being scrapped. Due to reasons relating to TV rights, the old format will be returning this season.

However, UEFA’s deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has said the success of the “Final Eight” format used in Lisbon means it could be revived when changes can be made in 2024:

“A good rule is to never exclude something which proves valuable or has potential. We know there are many elements that need to be taken into account, such as calendar and organisational constraints, fans’ involvement, economic implications, but we will for sure study this format and its variations for our upcoming discussions.”

“Single knock-out matches obviously favour uncertainty and emotions. We received great feedback from clubs, broadcasters and other partners as well as from the fans. The circumstances made this format a must, but the result could not be better as well as the degree of satisfaction.”

Such a radical change would have its pros and cons. On the one hand, it would reduce fixture congestion by decreasing the number of knockout round ties but it would also reduce revenue, both from matchday tickets and from broadcast rights. It would also radically change how teams would approach knockout matches, considering there would be no second leg to put things right.