Uefa announce two major rule changes to all competitions including Champions League with immediate effect

UEFA have confirmed two rule changes that will come into effect for this season’s Champions League. Qualifying is already well underway, with the likes of Fenerbahce, Lyon, Bodo/Glimt and Olympiacos having already been in action. The Champions League has adopted new rules ahead of this season Credit: Getty One of the rule changes relates to yellow cards Credit: Getty This year’s League Phase is set to see significant changes. The first modification pertains to the number of bookings required for a ban. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Previously three yellows would trigger a one-game suspension, with further game bans after five and seven. This threshold has now risen to four bookings; with further games added on after six and eight. Article 63.02b of Uefa’s regulations reads: “as from the first match in the league phase, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after four yellow cards that did not result in a red card, as well as after any subsequent even-numbered yellow cards (sixth, eighth, etc.).” This change will also apply to the Europa League and Conference League. The other modification relates to stadium clocks. Previously, the clocks on big screens would be forced to stop at 45 and 90, frustratingly preventing fans from knowing how far into stoppage time the match is. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Previously stadium clocks would be forced to stop at 90:00 Credit: Reuters The change will mean that clocks are able to continue until the referee concludes each half – with the same principle applying in extra time. This brings Uefa competitions in line with English football. The Premier League and EFL adopted the clock change ahead of the 2023-24 season. Comment now