The top four teams from Europe's four highest-ranked leagues will be guaranteed a spot in the group stage of the Champions League from the 2018-'19 season, the Union of European Football Associations announced on Friday.
Under the present system, the top three teams from the three highest-ranked leagues have guaranteed places, while their fourth-placed sides must play off over two legs to secure a spot in the group stage.
The leagues are ranked based on UEFA's coefficient ranking. Currently, Spain's La Liga is in first place, followed by Germany's Bundesliga, England's Premier League and Italy's Serie A.
"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," said Theodore Theodoridis, the ad interim UEFA general secretary. "We are happy that European football remains united behind the concepts of solidarity, fair competition, fair distribution and good governance."