The winners of the BetMcLean Cup will automatically go into the Irish Premiership’s European play-off final from next season.

Cliftonville, who secured European qualification by winning the play-off last season, are also the holders of the BetMcLean Cup.

“It adds real incentive for clubs and fans and raises the profile of the BetMcLean Cup even further,” said NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor.

“This isn’t just a cup final anymore; it’s potentially a golden ticket to Europe.”

The number of European positions for Irish Premiership clubs will remain unchanged.

The league winners will secure a Champions League qualification spot and second place will also automatically qualify for Europe.

Teams which finish from third to seventh will enter the European play-offs, and the winner of that end-of-season play-off will join the Irish Cup winners in earning a European place.

Cliftonville defeated Glentoran 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the BetMcLean Cup in March.

The Reds then defeated the Glens again in their European play-off semi-final and beat Coleraine in the final to join Irish Premiership champions Linfield, runners-up Larne and Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts in Europe.