Boost for FA Cup winners

THE FA Cup winners will qualify for the Champions League and the final of Europe’s top club competition will be held on a Saturday from 2009, UEFA president Michel Platini announced yesterday.

Although Platini has agreed to postpone a final decision on reform by a month after opposition from leagues and clubs, he is prepared to force through the changes.

Platini said: “The English FA Cup is one of the greatest competitions and the winner deserves to be represented in the Champions League rather than the team that comes fourth.”