Platini plans to put FA Cup winners in Champions League

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The plan would completely revive the domestic knockout competition and possibly break the present stranglehold on European places by the Premier League's 'big four'.

Michel Platini: shake-up

The proposals are the brainchild of UEFA president and France football legend Michel Platini who will unveil the idea before next week's group stage draw of the Champions League.

Platini wanted to reduce the maximum number of Champions League entrants from any one country from four to three but that idea was fiercely opposed by the most powerful leagues and clubs in Europe.

However, he has now introduced the domestic cup option as a compromise.

England would therefore retain its four slots from the 2009-2010 season but one would go to the FA Cup winners. In this way, it is thought that the teams would spread beyond the predictable and familiar sides who would normally fight it out for a place in the prestigious European competition.

It is also thought that a Champions League prize would increase the value of the FA Cup. Under Platini's plans, only the three leading nations - England Spain and Italy - will retain four entrants, but only three based on league position.

The proposal has the support of the Football Association.