A number of European clubs have called on Uefa to change the Champions League rules and allow teams from the same country to draw each other in the league phase. It comes amid concerns that the growing power of the Premier League is having a negative impact on teams from other countries. But with three English clubs in Pot 1 for this season's league phase, draw conditions had to be placed upon the non-English clubs in order for the rule to be respected. It meant Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid all had to play two games against Premier League teams. For instance, PSG and Barcelona had to be given a fixture against Newcastle from Pot 4.

Source: BBC March 19, 2026 13:39 UTC