UEFA will use a computer to make the draw for the Champions League for the first time on Thursday, they are confident it’s safe from the threat of cyber attack.
A manual draw for the expanded 36-team competition would take four hours and require up to 1,000 balls and 36 glass bowls.
The AI draw is expected to take about 35 minutes – the same as the old draws for the previous 32-team format.
UK IT company AE Live has developed the software for the draw.
There will also be two backup software systems and the draw will be audited by accountancy firm Ernst & Young.
Under the new so-called “Swiss model” format used in chess and croquet, there will be one league of 36 teams split into four pots of nine for the draw.
The software will factor in country protection which will mean that, except in highly unusual circumstances, clubs will not play against opponents from their own country.
Clubs will also only face a maximum of two opponents from the same country.
