UEFA says no to 28
UEFA rejected the Premier League’s proposal to expand Champions League squads to 28 players after pushback from Spanish clubs, meaning teams must keep current depth strategies and injury planning in place (theguardian.com).
UEFA has rejected Premier League clubs’ request to raise Champions League List A squads from 25 to 28 for next season. (insideworldfootball.com) The proposal was discussed at UEFA’s Club Competitions Committee last month but was not forwarded to the UEFA Executive Committee for the meeting scheduled ahead of the Europa League final in Istanbul on 20 May 2026. (theguardian.com) English clubs argued a 28‑player A list would ease rotation and reduce injuries amid heavier European calendars; the push gained traction after meetings at the European Club Assembly. (theplayoffs.news) UEFA’s 2024 revamp created a 36‑team single league phase in which each club plays eight league-phase matches, a format change clubs say has increased fixture congestion. (uefa.com) Opposition from Spanish clubs and LaLiga representatives was credited with blocking the proposal at committee level, with multiple outlets reporting LaLiga sides led the pushback. (goal.com) Under current UEFA regulations List A remains capped at 25 players with a minimum of eight locally trained players and List B availability for eligible youth players, and clubs may still add up to three eligible players to their A list during the knockout-stage registration window. (documents.uefa.com (tntsports.co.uk))
