UEFA is close to changing the seeding system for the group stages of the Champions League, Sky Sports News’ Chief News Reporter Bryan Swanson can reveal.
UEFA has confirmed that, under new proposals, the top eight seeds would comprise of the defending Champions League winners, along with the seven domestic league winners of the top-ranked UEFA nations.
Initial talks over the seeding system took place earlier this year, and the plans were approved by the club competitions committee in May.
UEFA president Michel Platini, and other top officials, hope the new rules will prevent defending league champions seeded lower than other teams from their country.
UEFA plan to change the seeding process for the Champions League from next season onwards
Chelsea and Arsenal were both in pot one in this month's draw and seeded higher than Premier League holders Manchester City.
The new rules would prevent top-ranked domestic champions from being drawn in the same group.
Had the rules been introduced this season, it would have meant Manchester City were placed in pot one.
The plan needs approval from the UEFA Executive Committee before it can be introduced but it is hoped it would take effect from next season.
UEFA's next Executive Committee meeting takes place on September 18 in Nyon.
UEFA has also confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ that it has received no complaints from any club involved in the Champions League this season following Thursday's draw in Monaco.
