The anthem has been changed…

Football fans are not impressed as UEFA have announced the Champions League anthem will be changing for the up and coming season alongside the new league format.

The now iconic Champions League theme music is Tony Britten’s 1992 adaption of the 1727 classical piece “Zadok the Priest” which was written by George Frideric Handel.

The music has become synonymous with the competition and its most significant moments, it’s hard to watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Juventus without the legendary tune playing in your head.

Champions League winners 2024- Getty

However, despite the saying ‘if it’s not broke don’t fix it’, UEFA have opted to tweak the anthem for the upcoming season with the theme now sped up.

There is a significantly larger focus on the vocals and a lot less percussion, which really dampens the power of the anthem making it a lot less atmospheric.

Fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure over the new changes.

One fan was in disbelief: “I hope that isn’t the main mix. I like the more soloist vibe, but it’s missing its guts here. If this is it I prefer the old way, and that’s solely based off reaction. You play the old one and I get goosebumps and an immediate emotional reaction. This was like “that’s nice” but minus the rest.”

Another commented: “I like the old anthem better bc in this I feel like they don’t jump to the highest octave or they need to add more Soprano vocals to this.”

A third added: “They took away all of the grandeur out of the anthem. It’s too trumpety and sounds very deflated, no drama or build up!”

A fourth vented: “They should keep the old anthem, I feel like the old the instruments hit way harder.”

The Champions League draw takes place on Thursday the 29th of August, one day before the Premier League transfer deadline day.