UEFA has announced that Europe's top four leagues will be guaranteed four places in the Champions League group stage from the 2018-19 season.
Currently, the highest-ranking divisions in Europe are Spain, Germany, England and Italy, meaning that the new rules will apply to clubs in those countries should they maintain their positions.
As it stands, the clubs that finish fourth in the top three leagues have to compete in a two-legged playoff tie in order to progress into the group stage.
Manchester City - now under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola - were that club from the Premier League as they overcame Steaua Bucuresti 6-0 on aggregate.
UEFA's fourth-ranked club - currently Italy - are guaranteed two automatic places and one playoff tie, but if they remain as one of Europe's top nations by 2018, they will benefit from the new rules.
The revamp of the competition was announced today by UEFA after representatives of the governing body met with European Club Association (ECA) officials to discuss changes to the current format amid rumours of a breakaway Super League.
Additional proposals include alterations to how club coefficients are calculated. Instead of taking into account the results of the country's contingent in the competition, clubs "will be judged on their own records", while historical success in Europe will also be included in the calculations.
Moreover, prize money will be "increased significantly" for both the Champions League and Europa League.
Danielle Joynson
