This edition of the tournament featured a unique one-off format. In attempt to persuade Russian and Ukrainian champions to field their strongest squads, Lokomotiv Moscow and Dynamo Kyiv were given a straight bye to the Semifinal, avoiding Group phase and Quarterfinal. As a result, two of four groups featured only three clubs, and only four group winners advanced to the knock-out round. Ultimately, the change did not make desirable effect on Dynamo, who brought a reserve squad, and the format was reverted since next year.