Last updated on .From the section European FootballA banner against Champions League reforms was in the stands of Borussia Dortmund's stadium during their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester CityThe revamped 36-team Champions League was agreed on Monday. It comes the day after 12 clubs, including six from England, announced plans to join a new, separate European Super League (ESL) instead. The controversial new Champions League format is due to start in 2024 and run until at least 2033. The new format will see 36 clubs qualifying for an expanded 'first phase', where all clubs will play against 10 opponents of varying strengths. The criticism around this format is that it would strip away the basis of qualification being around league position as a team could qualify for the Champions League despite finishing lower in the table than a team in the same league that missed out.

Source: BBC April 16, 2021 12:36 UTC