Champions Cup 2005-06 - Game Format

Due to the 38 team involvement in the League this seasons Champions Cup will be played in a similar format as the UEFA Champions League. The top 28 teams as at the end of Week 4 will have automatic qualification into Phase 1 (Group Stages) of the Champions Cup starting Week 12. The bottom 10 teams will play in the qualifying knockout (QKO) stage in Weeks 5, 7, 9 & 11. There are 4 places available for the 10 teams in the QKO.

For the Newbies, the Cup Competition is played on a head-to-head format. This means that you will ‘play’ against another team. Winning, losing or getting a draw depends on your points for that week only (or total of two weeks, if applicable). Eg. Team A – 120 points vs. Team B – 85 points. Team A wins.

Qualifying Knockout (QKO) Stage 1
The bottom 4 teams of the League at end Week 4 will play this stage only. This stage will be played over two legs in Week 5 & 7. The total amount of points scored in these two weeks will determine the winner of the match. Winner proceeds to QKO Stage 2. The matches are as follows:

Match 1 – Team No. 35 vs. Team No. 38
Match 2 – Team No. 36 vs. Team No. 37

Winners proceeds to QKO Stage 2. Should there be a draw (exactly the same total points), higher placed team in league proceeds.

Qualifying Knockout (QKO) Stage 2
This stage will be played over two legs in Week 9 & 11. The total amount of points scored in these two weeks will determine the winner of the match. Winner proceeds to Phase 1 – Group Stages. The matches are as follows:

Match A – Team No. 29 vs. QKO Match 2 Winner
Match B – Team No. 30 vs. QKO Match 1 Winner
Match C – Team No. 31 vs. Team No. 34
Match D – Team No. 32 vs. Team No. 33

Winners proceeds to Phase 1 – Group Stages. Should there be a draw (exactly the same total points), higher placed team in league proceeds.

Phase 1 – Group Stage
32 Teams will be divided into 8 Groups of 4 teams based on seeding position. Seeding is based on positions at the end of Week 4. Each team will play all teams in their group twice (home & away format) . Therefore, teams will play 6 games in this Stage. Teams will get 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss. A draw is when teams have points within 7 points of each other. Eg. Team A – 99 points vs. Team B – 92 points. Hence, a draw.

The top 2 teams from each group will proceed to Phase 2 – Knockout Stage.

Phase 2 – Knockout Stage
16 teams from the group stages will play in the KO stage based on seedings. The stage is over two legs. Total points over the two legs will determine the winner. Winners will proceed to the Quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Finals
Will be played as per the Phase 2 – Knockout Stage. With winners proceeding to the next round.

I will update the Excel file with this format. Should you have any questions please do in the comments section.

Regards.
The Commish