Whilst Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all embroiled in a severe battle for a place in the Champions League ahead of next season, the process of claiming a ticket to Europe’s top table might be set to look hugely different in the near future. The process of qualifying for the competition is set to be changed by UEFA and that could well have a huge impact on how deals are done by those clubs lucky enough to claim a place.
Firstly, UEFA are set to extend the size of the competition itself from 32 teams to 36, meaning that there are a further four qualifying places up for grabs. Whilst the vast majority of those will still be decided on the previous season’s league position, there will be further positions up for grabs for sides based on best historical performance in the competition if they have not finished in the Champions League spots in their domestic campaign.
Meanwhile, there will also be further positions for clubs in Europe’s fifth-best performing league, whilst a ‘Champions’ pathway also opens up a further avenue. This means that the Premier League could potentially offer up to two more places in the competition next campaign.
