Tue Jan 20 17:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: January Transfer Signings Ineligible for Champions League League Phase

The Story:

Players acquired during the January transfer window will be unable to participate in the Champions League league phase, as stipulated by UEFA regulations. Clubs are permitted to register a maximum of three new players for their squad after the league phase concludes, with a deadline of Thursday, February 5th. This rule applies across all UEFA club competitions, including the Europa League and Conference League. Consequently, teams like Manchester City and Tottenham will be without their new acquisitions for upcoming Champions League matches.

Manchester City will be without Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi and Tottenham will be without Conor Gallagher for upcoming Champions League fixtures. However, City’s Max Alleyne is eligible due to List B rules regarding youth players.

Key Points:

  • January transfer window signings cannot play in the Champions League league phase.
  • Clubs can register up to three new players after the league phase by February 5th.
  • The rule applies to the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
  • Manchester City will miss Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, and Tottenham will miss Conor Gallagher in upcoming Champions League matches.
  • Manchester City’s Max Alleyne is eligible under “List B” rules for youth players.
  • UEFA removed the cup-tied rule ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current UEFA regulations significantly impact clubs’ strategies in the January transfer window, as new signings cannot immediately contribute to Champions League campaigns.
  • Teams need to carefully consider the timing and eligibility of player registrations for European competitions.
  • The “List B” rule provides an avenue for clubs to integrate promising youth players into their Champions League squads.

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