The Premier League are reportedly considering a proposal to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League spot.
It has been proposed that only the first three be decided on league position and the fourth place be determined by a play-off.
It has been proposed that only the first three be decided on league position and the fourth place be determined by a play-off.
That could mean the teams finishing in the positions fourth to seventh playing a mini-knockout competition.
The same four clubs - 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.
The proposal is thought to have been raised at a recent meeting of all 20 clubs and will be considered again when they next meet in April.
A Premier League spokesman said: "We look at all sorts of ideas and rarely make comment until we have decided something definitely."
If the proposal was to be voted on at any stage in the future, a 14-6 majority could be enough to see it implemented.
The idea may not be favoured by the established 'big four', who would obviously have the most to lose, but the idea is thought to have been enthusiastically greeted by some clubs.
The same four clubs - 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.
The proposal is thought to have been raised at a recent meeting of all 20 clubs and will be considered again when they next meet in April.
A Premier League spokesman said: "We look at all sorts of ideas and rarely make comment until we have decided something definitely."
If the proposal was to be voted on at any stage in the future, a 14-6 majority could be enough to see it implemented.
The idea may not be favoured by the established 'big four', who would obviously have the most to lose, but the idea is thought to have been enthusiastically greeted by some clubs.