UEFA sets September 2 deadline for Champions League squad registration

UEFA has established September 2, 2026, as the deadline for clubs to finalize their List A squads for the upcoming 2026/27 Champions League league phase. Each club can register a maximum of 25 players, adhering to specific regulations regarding squad composition.

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Clubs are entitled to register a maximum of 25 players on List A during the season, of whom at least two must be goalkeepers.

According to UEFA's website, clubs must submit their List A squads to their respective associations for verification by 23:59 CET on September 2, 2026. These lists must comply with the maximum squad size and a quota for locally trained players. A minimum of eight of the 25 registered players must be "locally trained," with no more than four of these being "association-trained players."

Clubs failing to meet the locally trained player quota will have their maximum List A squad size reduced accordingly. UEFA defines "locally trained players" in two categories: those registered with the club for three years between ages 15 and 21, and those registered with a club affiliated to the same national association for the same duration. An unlimited number of players can be registered on List B, which can be updated throughout the season and must be submitted the day before a match. Players on List B must be born on or after January 1, 2005, and meet specific registration and eligibility criteria.

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As a minimum, eight of those 25 places are reserved exclusively for ‘locally trained players’ and no club may have more than four ‘association-trained players’ listed among those eight places.

Notably, the rules permit players who have participated in the qualifying rounds of UEFA's club competitions to play for a different club in the Champions League league phase. Furthermore, clubs advancing to the knockout stage will have an opportunity to make further squad adjustments.

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A player who has been fielded in the first, second or third qualifying round, or in the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League or UEFA Conference League, is entitled to play in the UEFA Champions League for another club as from the league phase.