Michel Platini's revised set of Champions League reforms have been ratified by UEFA...
While the Champions League format changes fall somewhat short of his original vision, Michel Platini (pictured) has at least managed to implement some changes to Europe's premier competition.
The new qualification process is likely to see more teams from unsung leagues taking part in the group stages, as per Platini's original plan, but there has been some modification to the idea compared to its original basis.
As of the 2009-2010 season, 22 teams will automatically qualify for the group stage, while another 10 will be open to preliminary qualifiers.
These will comprise five teams from the top seeded countries, who contest their own mini-tournament of 15 teams, and a further 40 set of actual champions from UEFA's leagues, who will compete for the final five places.
The tournament's final will see change, too, albeit only on the calendar. As of 2010, it will take place on a Saturday night.
One change that did not convince the member associations was to allow domestic cup winners into the tournament, this being rejected by the bigger leagues in particular.
"I believe in that idea but I believe it came too early," as he sought to keep the vision alive for another attempt in future.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
While the Champions League format changes fall somewhat short of his original vision, Michel Platini (pictured) has at least managed to implement some changes to Europe's premier competition.
The new qualification process is likely to see more teams from unsung leagues taking part in the group stages, as per Platini's original plan, but there has been some modification to the idea compared to its original basis.
As of the 2009-2010 season, 22 teams will automatically qualify for the group stage, while another 10 will be open to preliminary qualifiers.
These will comprise five teams from the top seeded countries, who contest their own mini-tournament of 15 teams, and a further 40 set of actual champions from UEFA's leagues, who will compete for the final five places.
The tournament's final will see change, too, albeit only on the calendar. As of 2010, it will take place on a Saturday night.
One change that did not convince the member associations was to allow domestic cup winners into the tournament, this being rejected by the bigger leagues in particular.
"I believe in that idea but I believe it came too early," as he sought to keep the vision alive for another attempt in future.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
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