Champions path
The champions path is the qualifying route for the champions of the associations lower in the ranking. It gives those clubs a route into the competition that is separate from the route of the strongest leagues.
Why it matters
It matters because it keeps the competition open. By giving the champions of smaller countries their own path, it ensures that a domestic title is a route into the competition even for clubs from leagues that do not hold a direct place.
Where it is used
It is used in the qualifying rounds. The champions of the lower-ranked associations enter the champions path and compete for a place in the league phase among themselves, separate from the clubs in the league path.
How to read it
Read the champions path as the open door of the competition. It is designed so that a domestic champion from any association has a route, and it preserves the idea of a competition of champions alongside the larger field.
What it means
the qualifying route for the champions of smaller associations
Champions path is one of the working terms of the competition. This entry explains it as a mechanism that holds true from season to season, so it can be read on its own or alongside the other entries in the glossary of the tournament.
- A qualifying route for champions of smaller leagues.
- Separate from the league path.
- Keeps the competition open to all associations.
- Decided in the qualifying rounds.
- A domestic title is a route into the competition.
- Preserves the idea of a contest of champions.