Chelsea have finally been granted a place among the Champions League's top eight seeds. The former Premiership champions have missed out before now having failed to amass enough 'coefficient' points.

But the European governing body have now installed Jose Mourinho's side among the top seeds, meaning the now-deposed English champions will be handed a supposedly easier group stage draw in the coming season.

AC Milan, winners in Athens last month, are top seeds (133.808 'points') followed by Barcelona (119.374), Liverpool (112.618) and Inter Milan (107.808).

Arsenal are England's second-highest seed with 104.618 followed by new Spanish champions Real Madrid (104.374), Chelsea (99.618) and Manchester United (also 99.618).

Seedings are based on the club's performances in Europe over the preceding five years as well as the ranking of their national association.

The draw for the Champions League qualifying rounds will take place tomorrow week (June 29th).