European clubs are pressuring UEFA to revise Champions League rules after English teams dominated the league phase draw. The current format, introduced for the 2024-25 season, maintains country protection during the first phase, preventing teams from the same league from facing each other. However, with three Premier League clubs in Pot 1, draw restrictions have created complications.

Clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris St-Germain were forced to play two games against Premier League opponents due to the country protection rule. This effectively increased their chances of a tougher draw, as they had to select Arsenal, Spurs, or Newcastle from lower pots to avoid deadlocks. For instance, PSG and Barcelona were required to face Newcastle from Pot 4, rather than potentially easier opponents like Kairat Almaty or Pafos.

The situation has sparked debate about whether country protection should be maintained in the league phase. Critics argue that the rule, designed to ensure competitive balance, may now be disadvantaging top European clubs outside England, where domestic dominance has created an imbalance in the competition.