UEFA to computerise Champions League draw as bizarre 'hybrid' system explained

UEFA will usher in the new format of the Champions League from next season with an partially computerised 'hybrid' draw system.

The new format, which will feature an increased 36 teams and a singular group stage, is the biggest change to the competition since it was rebranded from the European Cup in 1992.

One of the key parts of the new competition will be the increase in group stage matches, from six to eight.

Each team will have their eight opponents drawn out, as would happen usually, but the logistics of the draw will need to change given that the traditional group stages has been removed.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has confirmed how the draw will work - and it will involve a computer system instead of a purely manual draw for the first time in the competition's history.

Solhekol reports that the clubs will initially be drawn manually, before a computer then selects the eight opponents.

Crucially, the computerisation of the draw will cut down on the amount of time a manual draw would be take. Its expected 35-minute timeframe is the same as the current draw, despite there being four more teams involved.

It is added that an English IT company is designing the software that will be used, although backup systems will be in place should there be any issues.

The reason behind the drastic move is down to initial UEFA simulations of how long a fully manual draw would actually take.

The numbers involved are astonishing, with the simulations showing that the draw would take between three to four HOURS, as well as needing 900 balls.

There is no indication that any adjustment to the knockout stage draw is forthcoming, with the final rounds of the competition remaining unchanged amid the new group stage format from next season.