The 2023/24 Champions League season will be the final campaign in its current recognised and revered format.
After viciously chastising the concept of a European Super League, UEFA have taken steps to convert the Champions League into a similar closed-shop set-up for the 2024/25 campaign, increasing the number of guaranteed matches and making it easier for the established elite to routinely qualify.
However, before everyone becomes embroiled in untangling what a so-called 'Swiss system' entails, here is everything you need to know about the draw to decide the familiar group stage format in 2023/24.
How does the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw work?
The 32 clubs involved in the Champions League group stage - having put their name in the hat via league position, performance in European competition or the competition's qualifying rounds - are split into four pots as part of the seeding process.
To begin with, teams from pot one will be drawn in groups A to H by one of two retired footballers usually thrust awkwardly up on stage. Yaya Toure and Hamit Altintop had the dubious honour last year.
When a team from the remaining pots is picked, a trusty computer sidekick automatically decides the first available group they can slot into - two clubs from the same association cannot be drawn together and there have also been TV scheduling stipulations in the past.
Once all of the mini-Champions League balls have been unscrewed and the crumpled pieces of card unfolded, all eight groups of four teams should be revealed. The entire process usually takes half an hour but UEFA have been known to make one or two blunders in previous draws.
When is the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw?
The grand continental tombola takes place on 31 August 2023, the day after the final qualification fixture has concluded.
That gives teams less than three weeks to analyse their opponents for the first group-stage match as the opening round of the competition will be held across 19-20 September.
However, managers and coaching staffs will have the benefit of the first international break of the season - scheduled between 4-12 September - to prepare for the first group-stage games.
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How to watch the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw on TV and live stream
The exact details of how the Champions League group stage draw can be viewed have not emerged just yet.
However, last season's draw was streamed live on UEFA's official website for free. BT Sport also covered the ball bobbing on their YouTube channel. Despite the rebrand to TNT Sports over the summer, the regular Champions League broadcaster is expected to show the draw again.
Confirmed teams for the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw
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This article was originally published on 90min as When is the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw?.
