Champions League: UEFA Changes Rule For Champions League Tournament

Some changes have been made in the UEFA Champions League rule this season.

One of the changes is that whatever club finishes in fourth place in the Premier League would no longer face a pre-qualifier in August. This means that the club will not have to pay extra matches at the beginning of the season.

Let's take a look at some rules that will affect Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool as they take part in the competition this season...

Substitutions

The teams will be allowed to name only twelve substitutes for the Champions League matches but only three will be used in a game but a fourth substitute would be available if the game goes to extra-time.

Free-kicks

Attackers have to be at least one meter away from the defensive wall when taking free-kicks this season.

Goal-kicks

Goal-kicks and free-kicks inside the box don't have to leave the penalty area. The opposing team is not allowed to be inside the penalty box during a goal-kick.

Drop-balls

From now on, drop balls can be given straight to the keeper. The players have to be four meters away and the ball will be dropped for the team which last touched it.

Penalties

From this season, when a spot-kick is taken, keepers would have one foot on the goal-line and will not be able to touch the goalpost.

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Departing the field

Any player who is substituted must leave the pitch at the nearest point on the field.

Coin toss

Whatever team wins the toss now has the choice to kick-off or pick which end they will play from.

Manager cards

The referee can show the yellow or red card to coaches and managers for different levels of misconduct.

Handballs

Any goal scored by a player using their hand or arm will be canceled and labeled as a handball offense.