Champions League Clubs Face September Deadline as UEFA Tightens Squad Rules

Ranti Thomas 9 hours ago 2 min read

UEFA has set September 2, 2026, as the key deadline for clubs competing in the 2026/27 Champions League to submit their player lists for the league phase, putting pressure on teams still completing their summer transfer business.

Under UEFA’s current regulations, clubs must submit their List A by 11:59pm Central European Time on September 2. The list must be verified and forwarded to UEFA through the relevant national association.

The deadline could have a major impact on clubs still negotiating late transfers. Any player signed after the registration cut-off will not be eligible for the league phase, although clubs can make limited additions later if they reach the knockout stage.

UEFA allows each club to register a maximum of 25 players on List A. At least two of those places must be occupied by goalkeepers, while clubs must also meet the requirement for locally trained players.

At least eight places are reserved for locally trained players, with no more than four of those places allowed to be occupied by association-trained players. If a club does not have enough locally trained players, its maximum List A squad size is reduced accordingly.

There is also a separate List B, which can contain an unlimited number of eligible players. Unlike List A, List B can be updated during the season, but a player must be registered no later than the day before the match in which the club intends to use him.

The rules also give clubs some room to make changes later in the competition. Teams that qualify for the knockout phase will be allowed to register up to three new players by February 4, 2027, subject to UEFA’s regulations.

There are additional provisions for long-term injuries and illnesses. During the league phase, a club can temporarily replace an eligible outfield player who suffers an injury or illness expected to keep him out for at least 60 days, provided the replacement was already registered with the club before the September deadline.

Goalkeepers have separate protection under the rules, with clubs allowed to make replacements in certain circumstances, including long-term injuries and permanent departures during the league phase.

The 2026/27 Champions League will feature its third season under the expanded league-phase format, with 36 teams competing for places in the knockout rounds. The league phase begins in September after the qualifying rounds are completed.

With the deadline approaching, clubs now have a limited window to complete their final transfer decisions, balance their squads and ensure that their most important players are properly registered for European football.