UEFA has published Champions league regulations for next season confirming a seeding change to reward national league winners. Top-seeded teams in eight groups will be the defending Champions league winner plus title holders in the seven highest-ranked countries. If the Champions league winner also wins its national title, then the eighth top-seeded team is the Netherlands champion.
Currently, top-seeded teams are the eight highest-ranked in a five-year results cycle in UEFA competitions. The new system should elevate league-leading Juventus and Zenit St. Petersburg, plus France’s champion. On current standings, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Porto will drop in status in the August 27 draw.