UEFA have tweaked the Champions League rules to benefit the big clubs and the big leagues. This comes as a surprise to approximately nobody.
Per ESPNFC:
The top four leagues in the UEFA coefficient ranking — currently La Liga, the Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A — will see four teams enter the group stage without having to go through a qualification round.
Currently, La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Premier League are guaranteed three group spots, with a fourth possible through the qualifying round, while Serie A has two guaranteed spots and a third possible via qualification.
Ah, yes, because Serie A needed four teams guaranteed group stage berths, even though Roma combusted against Porto and Italy only have two teams in the group stage this season.
Also this, from the same article:
The revamp will also involve a change to the way in which clubs are paid, with UEFA explaining: "A new four-pillar financial distribution system (starting fee, performance in the competition, individual club coefficient and market pool) will see sporting performances better rewarded, while market pool share will decrease."
Oh so the big clubs will not only find it easier to qualify, but now they'll make more money? Sounds about right.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
