How the new Champions League rules will affect the race for the top four
New rules mean English clubs will now no longer face nervy summer Champions League qualifiers.
From next season, a top four finish guarantees entry into Europe’s premier club competition – regardless of where they end up in the Premier League.
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Since the competition was re-jigged, teams who finish in third or fourth would have to overcome testing two-legged winner-takes-all ties before the season starts.
But that is now a thing of the past. There will be no unwanted pre-season pressure trips to far away cities with clubs now not needing to go through the qualifying process.
Though there are other changes coming in which may not please supporters.
UEFA have decided that some matches will now kick-off at 5.55pm – as many fans are still leaving work.
Thousands will face a massive rush to get to games as bosses look to cash in on splitting matches up so viewers can see two games a night, just like in the Europa League.
Champions League nights will also be getting longer with traditional 7.45pm kick-offs done away with.
Games will now start at 8pm in they aren’t shoved forward to the earlier slot.
