The Premier League will be guaranteed four places in the Champions League group stages from 2018-19, UEFA has confirmed.

Currently the team that finishes fourth in the Premier League must come through a play-off round to reach the group stages of the Champions League, but from the 2018-19 season the top four ranked associations - England, Spain, Italy and Germany - will receive four automatic spots.

UEFA has confirmed a number of changes to the competition with the Europa League winners automatically qualifying for the Champions League group stage (currently they can potentially take part in a play-off round), while historical success in the competition will also be acknowledged in coefficient calculation.

While the entry system has been tweaked, there will be now changes to the competitions system with 32 teams qualifying for the group stages, with the Europa League remaining at 48 teams.

Commenting on the changes, UEFA General Secretary ad interim Theodore Theodoridis said: "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.

"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."


Source:UEFA