Platini is running against Sweden's incumbent Lennart Johansson for the UEFA presidency, and the French legend said he would like to make the Champions League, European club football's top tournament, more representative.

“Italy, England, Germany and Spain should have three clubs each in the Champions League so that teams from other leagues that are not in the same financial bracket can compete with them on the pitch.

"There are not enough champions taking part in the competition as it is.

“There are many countries in Europe whose clubs can't hold onto their most talented players but they still deserve a chance to play against the top clubs.”

"My mission is to protect soccer and I believe everyone will benefit from the idea to get more leagues, countries and clubs in Europe involved in the Champions League,” he added. Platini also addressed fears of major sponsors pulling out if lesser-known teams entered the Champions League at the expense of some of the more established names in European football.

"It would be a more European competition and as such would actually entice sponsors.”

“I don't divide soccer between the rich and the poor,” Platini continued.

"As for the wealthiest leagues,” he reasoned. “They would actually benefit from having three automatic slots in the Champions League each rather than two plus another two in the qualifying rounds."

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