Benitez’ fears over Platini’s cup plans

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez fears new proposals to allow national cup winners into the Champions League will mean the best clubs and players may not be involved in the competition.

Benitez was reacting to plans presented by UEFA president Michel Platini to allow cup winners into Europe’s elite competition at the expense of the fourth-placed team in the major European leagues.

It would mean Europe’s top footballing nations — England, Spain and Italy — losing their fourth league place in the Champions League, while countries who have three entrants would see that cut to two, with cup winners taking the third berth.