The 2016–17 EHF Champions League group stage began on 21 September 2016 and concludes on 12 March 2017. A total of 28 teams compete for 14 places in the knockout stage of the 2016–17 EHF Champions League.
Contents
Draw
The draw for the group stage was held on 1 July 2016.
Seedings
The seedings were announced on 27 June 2016.
Format
In each group, teams played against each other in a double round-robin format, with home and away matches. After completion of the group stage matches, the teams advancing to the knockout stage were determined in the following manner:
Tiebreakers
In the group stage, teams were ranked according to points (2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss). After completion of the group stage, if two or more teams have scored the same number of points, the ranking was determined as follows (article 4.3.1, section II of regulations):
- Highest number of points in matches between the teams directly involved;
- Superior goal difference in matches between the teams directly involved;
- Highest number of goals scored in matches between the teams directly involved (or in the away match in case of a two-team tie);
- Superior goal difference in all matches of the group;
- Highest number of plus goals in all matches of the group;
If the ranking of one of these teams is determined, the above criteria are consecutively followed until the ranking of all teams is determined. If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by EHF through drawing of lots.
During the group stage, only criteria 4–5 apply to determine the provisional ranking of teams.
Groups
The matchdays are 21–25 September, 28 September–2 October, 5–9 October, 12–16 October, 19–23 October, 9–13 November, 16–20 November, 23–27 November, 30 November–4 December 2016 and 8–12 February 2017. For Groups A and B, additional matchdays include, 15–19 February, 22–26 February, 1–5 March and 8–12 March 2016.
Playoffs
The top two teams from Groups C and D contest a playoff to determine the two sides advancing to the knockout phase. The winners of each group will face the runners-up of the other group in a two-legged tie. The first leg will be played on 1–5 March 2017 and the second leg on 7–12 March 2017.