IAN LADYMAN UEFA plan seedings switch

THE seeding system for the group stages of the Champions League is to be changed by UEFA.

The top eight seeds will l be the holders plus the champions of the top seven n ranked UEFA nations.

Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel attacked the seeding system in yesterday’s Sportsmail (right), highlighting the absurdity of Arsenal, who finished fourth in the Premier League, being in Pot 1 with champions Manchester City in Pot 2. UEFA have decided to scrap the current system for the model suggested by Samuel and president Michel Platini hopes the rules would stop champions being ranked lower than others from their nation.

The plan needs approval from the UEFA executive committee but it could take effect next season. The draw currently uses a system, based on previous Champions League performances and the ranking of their domestic league.