A host of the world's top clubs aiming to gatecrash the revamped Champions League will not be allowed to "leapfrog" clubs from their own nation in their bid to reach the group stage.
But there could be good news for Scottish football with one of the four new places set to safeguard the highest ranked league without an automatic qualifier.
Celtic and Rangers would have been in the mix to meet that criteria but are now set to gain direct entry from next season. But a possible safety net has now presented itself if the national coefficient slips.
UEFA have told a working group from European Club Association that a proposed two teams reaching the group stage, based on their historical coefficient record, is still on the table but not at the expense of others.
The Times report that the updated tournament, which will be expanded to 36 teams before the 2024/25 season, will likely include "one or two" sides earning a seat at European football's top table based on historical performance.
A rankings system will likely be used that factors in clubs' record over the previous five years.
The other two spots are likely to see France receive a third automatic qualifier to the group stage, with the fourth being given to the league with the highest coefficient who doesn't have an automatic qualifier.
There remains scepticism across European football over the make-up of the new-look Champions League and if it will favour the biggest teams on the planet.
Former Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell and Ajax's Edwin van der Sar have long championed clubs who participate outwith the 'big five' leagues.
And at least one spot out of the four is set to benefit those who operate outside the traditional powerhouses.
Critics of the proposals fear guaranteeing a pair of the biggest teams on the planet entry will quell dissenters among those teams who wanted to break away last year.
Some of the world's biggest clubs were forced into an embarrassing climb down when their renegade European Super League hit the buffers days after it was announced.
But there's a palpable sense the architects behind the power grab are still weighing up their next options.
Former ECA chairman and Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli spoke last month and his remark that "deep and profound reforms" are needed hinted towards more agitation in the coming years.
And Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed the Super League "is far from abandoned".
But any sign that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has lost his heart for the battle seem misplaced as he branded the breakaway proposal "the terrible league", and he sent a barb in the direction of those still dreaming of creating their own tournament.
Ceferin has shown his steely glare in recent times but it is understood UEFA are considering a final decision over how the four extra places will be allotted.
