England, Germany, Italy and Spain are the big winners after UEFA announced changes to the Champions League and Europa League onwards from the 2018/19 season.
The changes mean the top four teams from the four highest-ranked associations according to UEFA’s coefficient system will gain automatic entry into the group stage of the Champions League.
Another major change will see the winner of the Europa League gain automatic entry into the group stage, whereas the reigning Europa League champions are forced to earn their place in the Champions League through a play-off.
“The evolution of UEFA’s club competitions is the result of a wide-ranging consultative process involving all stakeholders and taking into account a wide range of expertise and perspectives,” said UEFA General Secretary ad interim Theodore Theodoridis speaking about the amendments.
“The amendments made will continue to ensure qualification based on sporting merit, and the right of all associations and their clubs to compete in Europe’s elite club competitions.”
“We are happy that European football remains united behind the concepts of solidarity, fair competition, fair distribution and good governance.”
The decision has been made to keep the route of qualifying for the Champions League the same in order to allow clubs from all leagues across the opportunity to compete in the world’s best club competition.
The final details of the changes regarding the entries to the illustrious competitions will be finalised later this year.
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