UEFA has announced a late amendment to its competition regulations less than a week before the Champions League kicks off. Clubs will now be permitted to temporarily replace one outfield player who suffers a long-term injury or illness during the group stage.
The governing body said the change was introduced to ensure «squad lists are not unfairly reduced» and to protect players from additional workload.
English Clubs Among Those to Benefit
A record six Premier League sides are taking part in this season’s Champions League. Chelsea could now replace Liam Delap, sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Facundo Buononotte, who was initially left out of the squad.
Other notable omissions include Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, Tottenham striker Mathys Tel and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, who is also recovering from injury.
2027 Champions League Final Host Confirmed
In addition to the rule change, UEFA confirmed that Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium will stage the 2027 Champions League final, returning to the venue where Liverpool beat Tottenham in 2019.
The Women’s Champions League final in the same year will be held at Warsaw’s National Stadium in Poland.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Norway delivered a staggering 11–1 victory over Moldova in the sixth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Erling Haaland netted five goals, Osgor struck four, with Horn and Odegaard also on the scoresheet. Moldova’s only goal came via an own goal by Estegor.
