A pair of key figures among European football are urging UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin to ditch a pair of controversial changes to the Champions League.
World football's richest tournament is set for sweeping revamp that will be introduced from the start of the 2024/25 season.
And one of the most contentious issues for member clubs is the plan to keep two spaces open for clubs based on historical performance.
The ramped-up format will see entrants increase from by four from 32 to 36, with a pair of slots set to be left for those who haven't qualified automatically.
Scottish Premiership sides will be keeping a keen eye on developments as leagues, outwith the traditional big five, would likely benefit if the historical places were binned.
Celtic and Rangers are battling to qualify next season by winning the Premiership - with the winner gaining direct entry to the tournament for the first time in over a decade.
And now Claus Thomsen has publicly urged Ceferin to rethink the plan that has caused contention among clubs across the continent.
The European League president said: "We believe the principle of sporting merit is the heart of the football mode
“It’s still our firm belief and position that such a thing can’t be introduced into the European club competitions.
"We have had good dialogue with UEFA on this and think we will find common ground with this.
"Raising these issues are not contrary to UEFA. It is fair to say our expectation is that UEFA also has the position of sporting merit being at the core of European and domestic competitions.”
And another key issue surrounds the expansion of the new league format which would replace the traditional group stage.
Team are set to play 10 matches, a rise of four, before the knockouts - leading to over 100 extra fixtures in total.
But Thomsen believes there's a middle ground that can be reached amid fears of saturation for supporters.
He added: "An increase of more than 50 per cent of games will hurt the vast majority of clubs and benefit very few.
“We need to have a lower number of rounds. [UEFA] also have the position that we need to balance matchday calendars for all competitions to have a positive development.”
Thomsen's views were echoed by Jaco Swart.
And the EL managing director has made a public plea to Ceferin and his fellow decision makers to think again.
He said: “We have been carefully listening to the president over the last year.
"And we do count on his responsibility and the fact that he will take a wise and good decision in the line with our position.”
