Europe’s professional leagues declared war on Uefa over its revamp of the Champions League on Thursday after condemning its decision to hand four permanent places each to England, Spain, Italy and Germany.

The European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) – members of which include the Premier League – threatened to tear up their Memorandum of Understanding with the governing body which prevents domestic matches being scheduled on European nights.

The EPFL accused Uefa of driving through the change to its elite club competition without consulting Europe’s leagues and called on whoever is elected its new president next week to overturn the decision.

Uefa announced last month that the four largest football nations would be guaranteed half of the 32 spots in the Champions League from 2018 following negotiations with the European Club Association.