UEFA: Top four leagues to get four automatic places in group stage of Champions League

At present, the fourth-placed team from England has to take part in a play-off, as Manchester City did this year when beating Steaua Bucharest 6-0 on aggregate.

But that will change for 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 with the best performing four leagues in Europe – currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy – all having four teams entered automatically.

In other changes to European competition, UEFA said the Europa League winner will also have an automatic place in the group stage of the following season’s Champions League. At present they may have to take part in the play-off round.

UEFA General Secretary ad interim Theodore Theodoridis said: "The evolution of UEFA's club competitions is the result of a wide-ranging consultative process involving all stakeholders and taking into account a wide range of expertise and perspectives.

"The amendments made will continue to ensure qualification based on sporting merit, and the right of all associations and their clubs to compete in Europe's elite club competitions.