Champions League play-offs would be a huge hit

The idea of holding Champions League play-offs would be a roaring success and should be introduced next season.

Premier League bosses are mulling over the prospect of determining the fourth Champions League spot via a play-off system. Currently the teams finishing in the top four positions are handed entry to Europe’s elite competition, either in the main draw or at the qualifying stage.

But now it has been proposed that only the first three places should be decided on league position and the fourth spot would be determined by a mini-knockout competition.

The sides finishing fourth to seventh would all be involved and so teams would have more to play for as the season draws to a close.

Competition in the league should increase as well, bringing more revenue and spreading the mega-bucks received for Champions League football around the more unfashionable clubs.

The same four teams – Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea – have filled the top four positions in five of the past six seasons. Only Everton, in 2005, have broken their stranglehold. Under the new proposals some of the other top-four contenders would get a greater chance of playing football with the elite.

It’s an interesting idea and, considering the success of the Football League play-offs which were introduced in 1986-87, it is one that should be considered when the Premier League clubs meet again in April.