Saudi Arabian media has reported that UEFA is contemplating extending an invitation to Al Nassr for participation in the Champions League next season. This proposal aligns with the upcoming changes and expansion in the tournament’s format.

On November 12, journalist Al Harbi shared this information on X, the social network previously known as Twitter, and it gained widespread coverage in Saudi newspapers. The news has also drawn attention from European media, notably because UEFA had previously declared a forthcoming modification in the competition format for the Champions League next year.

Al Harbi reported, “UEFA is contemplating inviting Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr to participate in the 2024 Champions League, citing them as ‘one of the three most famous clubs in the world.’ UEFA also recognizes Al Nassr’s capabilities and a substantial fan base in Asia and Europe.”

If this materializes, it could open the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the stage where he carved his legacy. The Portuguese striker has clinched the Champions League five times and holds the record for the most goals in the tournament’s history (140 goals).

In the upcoming season, UEFA plans to do away with the current group division format of the Champions League. Instead, the 36 participating teams will be grouped and seeded based on their past achievements. Matches will be paired using the Swiss system, a format popular in chess and some e-sports.

In the second round, the victors from the first round will face each other, the drawn teams will be paired, and the defeated teams will contend against each other. The likelihood of higher-scoring teams facing off will intensify, setting the stage for more significant clashes. After 10 rounds, the top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16. The subsequent 16 teams will engage in playoffs to determine the final eight teams for the Round of 16. Teams ranking 17th to 24th will transition to the Europa League, while the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated.

There is a possibility that UEFA might extend invitations to non-European teams to enhance the allure of the tournament. The Swiss system ensures that each team will participate in at least 10 matches. Currently, if a team gets eliminated in the group stage, they play a maximum of six matches.

Ronaldo continues to showcase excellent form in his second season with Al Nassr. In the latest match on November 11, where Al Nassr secured a 3-1 victory against Al Wehda in the 13th round of the Pro League, Ronaldo netted his 13th goal, solidifying his leading position in the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer race. Al Nassr currently stands in second place in the tournament, trailing leader Al Hilal by four points.