UEFA have announced new changes to the Champions League, which will guarantee four places in the group phase of the tournament for the top four leagues - currently, Spain, England, Germany and Italy. The changes will take effect in the 2018-19 season.

The current format hands three automatic places in the group phase to the top three in the Spanish, English and German leagues, while the fouth-placed teams contest a two-legged playoff.

Italy - currently the fourth best league in Europe - has two automatic and one qualification spot.

From 2018, the top 16 teams from the top four leagues will all be assured of a place in the 32-team group stage.

rd/ (sid, RTRE)