In a move that could reshape the landscape of European football, UEFA is reportedly considering scrapping extra time in the knockout stages of the Champions League. This decision follows the introduction of an extended group stage format this season, requiring teams to play a minimum of eight matches before reaching the knockout phase. Statistics from previous seasons reveal a diminishing reliance on extra time. Only three matches from the round of 16 onwards required additional minutes last season, and none did in the 2022-23 campaign. In the Europa League, four ties extended beyond regulation play in 2023-24, a decrease from six in the previous year. If implemented, this change could alter the dynamics of high-stakes European football, making penalty shootouts a more immediate decider in drawn
