Changes to Champions League
August 26, 2016![FC Bayern München - Ziehung Champions League 2012](https://static.dw.com/image/19503611_800.webp)
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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)