Sadly these changes talked about at the start of last year are due to be accepted and ratified
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56573883
A great safety net for the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd & Chelsea if they have a shit time of it domestically, knowing they can potentially qualify through a wildcard option in to this competition. A slap in the face to any club that wants to try and make a name for themselves or become established like those big clubs that once had success in the competition. Elite football's door slowly closes to anyone not already in that select group of teams. The marketability of football overrides the importance of competition and underdog stories or a smaller club wanting to break the glass ceiling, now, sadly.