The Champions League could be extended to included four extra rounds of fixtures from 2024 if UEFA's proposals for revamping the competition get the go-ahead.
As revealed by Mirror Sport last month, the ongoing quest from senior figures at UEFA to increase the number of matches in their biggest cash-cow could now see a return of a second group stage.
That format existed between 1999 and 2003, only for the round of 16 to be reintroduced and remain to this day.
Another option could see the current group stage revamped to include six groups of six teams, or even eight groups of six teams should the tournament be expanded to include 48 clubs.
However many clubs were added, the increase in games would leave teams facing 17 matchdays if they were to go all the way to the final, in place of the current 13 that Liverpool and Tottenham played on their way to the Madrid showpiece last season.
It has also been suggested that clubs who reach the last four of the Champions League would automatically qualify for the group stage of the following season's competition regardless of their league position domestically.
The moves are said to head off the threat of the World Super League favoured by FIFA and clubs such as Real Madrid , with the extra European games bringing in more revenue for the top sides.
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The idea is opposed by the Premier League, and one element of fallout from the increased matches could be that the bigger clubs choose not to compete in the Carabao Cup.
The tournament could then revert to one that is exclusively for sides not appearing in the Champions League, thereby lessening the appeal.