LONDON (AFP) - The winners of the Europa League will automatically qualify for a place in the lucrative Champions League from 2015, Europe's football governing body Uefa announced on Friday.

Its president Michel Platini said the winner of the 2014/2015 Europa League would play in the 2015/2016 Champions League.

The move comes in a bid to boost the appeal of the second-tier tournament.

"As was proven with this year's magnificent final, the Europa League has gone from strength to strength, but we wanted to give clubs a further incentive, so that all of them play with a desire to win the competition," Platini said.

"By guaranteeing access to the Champions League for the winners, we are convinced that the Europa League will increase its appeal for clubs and their supporters."