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Uefa have said they will consider awarding a Champions League place to winners of the FA Cup which could take effect from 2009.
The proposal, which was mooted at Uefa's European club forum, could see the winner of each country's main cup tournament entered into an end-of-season play-off system or gain instant qualification into the Champions League draw.
William Gaillard, Uefa's communications director and adviser to president Michel Platini, said: "This is one of many, many ideas that are being discussed.
"Many people like cup competitions and feel that the end of the European Cup Winners Cup has been a raw deal for the cup winners.
"It would need the agreement of the clubs, leagues and national associations so if they support it, it will go forward or it might just disappear."
Uefa president Platini has already spoken of his desire to limit the number of Champions League places awarded to clubs in Germany, England, Spain and Italy from four to three. As a compromise, places could be reduced to three plus the cup winner.
The move would improve the standing of cup competitions and Gaillard said: "It would restore some of the value."
The idea will go before representatives from clubs, leagues and national associations in June before a final decision is taken by Uefa's executive committee in September.
The proposal, which was mooted at Uefa's European club forum, could see the winner of each country's main cup tournament entered into an end-of-season play-off system or gain instant qualification into the Champions League draw.
William Gaillard, Uefa's communications director and adviser to president Michel Platini, said: "This is one of many, many ideas that are being discussed.
"Many people like cup competitions and feel that the end of the European Cup Winners Cup has been a raw deal for the cup winners.
"It would need the agreement of the clubs, leagues and national associations so if they support it, it will go forward or it might just disappear."
Uefa president Platini has already spoken of his desire to limit the number of Champions League places awarded to clubs in Germany, England, Spain and Italy from four to three. As a compromise, places could be reduced to three plus the cup winner.
The move would improve the standing of cup competitions and Gaillard said: "It would restore some of the value."
The idea will go before representatives from clubs, leagues and national associations in June before a final decision is taken by Uefa's executive committee in September.
Cool idea
