Why More English Teams Should Qualify For Europe, Not Less

UEFA President Michel Platini has dropped hints in the past about the possibility of reducing the number of English, Italian, and Spanish teams in the Champions League from four teams to three.

He claimed that by reducing teams from major leagues, more teams from minor leagues can actually progress further in the competition.

The Champions League in the recent seasons has shown that English teams are doing very well in the competition, with all four English teams qualified for the quarterfinals last season and this season.

In fact, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United all reached semifinals in the past two seasons. Former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard claimed that if Arsenal didn't have to play against Liverpool, last season's Champions League semifinal spots would be filled with the Premiership "Big Four".

Michel Platini even argued that the English Premiership is "boring" as the same four teams occupy the top four spots every season. Is it more boring than the same team winning the Ligue 1 for seven consecutive seasons and on course for clinching the eighth?

Gareth Barry has previously declared his desire to play in the Champions League. He wished to join Liverpool in the summer but Liverpool failed to meet Aston Villa's valuation on the versatile English midfielder.

The same thing is happening to other clubs. Players want to leave their current clubs for clubs that play regularly in Europe.

Yet clubs like Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Everton failed to finish in the top four over the past three seasons despite putting up a good fight for the fourth spot.

Imagine what will happen if the number of English teams participating in the Champions League is reduced to three teams. The biggest concern is not the fact that at least one of the "Big Four" will miss the chance to play in the elite competition, but the other teams' chances of qualifying for Champions League.

Then the players from the average teams will want a transfer to the Big Four in order to play in Champions League. The gap between the Big Four and the other clubs will drift further apart.

The bottom line is the team who finishes fifth in the English Premiership should be eligible to play in Champions League, from the first qualifying round.