\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
It comes amid concerns that the growing power of the Premier League is having a negative impact on teams from other countries.<\/p>\n
Since the new Champions League format was introduced for the 2024-25 season country protection – which means no teams from the same league can play each other – has remained in place for the eight games that make up the first phase of the competition.<\/p>\n
It is then removed for all the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Teams felt aggrieved that it effectively increased the chances of a harder draw.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Some were forced to take Arsenal<\/a>, Spurs or Newcastle<\/a> from Pots 2, 3 and 4 to avoid deadlocking the draw. <\/p>\n For instance, PSG and Barcelona had to be given a fixture against Newcastle<\/a> from Pot 4. Without the restriction they could have faced Kairat Almaty or Pafos.<\/p>\n On paper at least, being forced to play the Magpies is more difficult.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n