Chelsea Leads the Charge in the New Conference League Format

The UEFA Conference League has adopted a new format this season, replacing the traditional group stage with a championship phase involving 36 teams. The draw for the main stage, held in Monaco, has generated excitement with the introduction of this new format. The participating teams were split into six pots and drew one opponent from each pot, guaranteeing six matches for every team – three home and three away games. With no more groups, all 36 teams will compete in a single ranking, with the top eight securing a direct spot in the Round of 16. The remaining spots will be determined through playoffs between teams ranked 9th to 24th. Teams finishing between 25th and 36th will be eliminated. Matches will be played in six rounds, starting on October 3rd and concluding on December 19th. Playoffs and knockout stages will take place in the spring, culminating in the final in Wrocław, Poland, in May. Chelsea, a favorite for the trophy, will face Belgian side Gent, Irish side Shamrock Rovers, and Armenian side Noah at home, while their away matches include German team Heidenheim, Kazakhstan’s Astana, and Greek side Panathinaikos. Two-time finalists Fiorentina will host Austrian LASK, Welsh side The New Saints, and Cypriot side Pafos, while their away trips will see them face Cypriot APOEL (Nicosia), Vitória (Guimarães), and Swiss side St. Gallen. Bulgaria has one player participating in the competition, Georgi Kostadinov, who plays for APOEL (Nicosia).