Uefa To Change Champions League Format

UEFA is to revamp the entry format for the Champions League, a move that means the top three clubs in the Premier League qualifying for the group stages from 2009.

Under the plans, the fourth-placed side will now face a play-off against a team from another of Europe’s leagues.

The Scottish champions will also go straight into the group stages but the runners-up face two qualifying rounds.

Previously in England, the top two sides qualified by right and the next two joined the third qualifying round.

In Scotland, the champions have previously needed to come through a qualifying round.