Last Updated:
Wenger’s comments come at a time when the Premier League could potentially have six teams competing in the Champions League next year.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (AFP)
Arsene Wenger may have made a few more enemies recently — especially amongst United and Tottenham fans — as the former Arsenal boss urged UEFA to ‘review’ Champions League qualification rules ahead of a probable Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.
UEFA amended its rules in 2014 to allow Europa League winners to automatically qualify for the following season’s Champions League tournament, but Wenger disagrees with the policy.
In the wake of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur — both placed 15th and 16th in the Premier League currently this season — facing a potential opportunity to qualify for the final (if they don’t collapse), Wenger came out and voiced his opposition against the existing rules.
The former Gunners boss said it is “not right” that the Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League.
🗣️ “They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you’re in a league where five teams qualify…”Arsene Wenger on the prize of Champions League football for winning the Europa League 👀#MUFC #Spurs pic.twitter.com/Fm4yUqg4KI
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 4, 2025
“No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League,” Wenger stated.
“Especially when you’re in the Premier League, where already five teams qualify.
“I think it’s something (for UEFA) to think about and to review.
“On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated, you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”
The comments from Wenger, now FIFA’s head of global football development, come at a time when the Premier League could potentially have six teams competing in the Champions League next year.
But how?
England has already secured five automatic spots for the league phase in 2025/26, due to the country’s performances in Europe this campaign.
With Arsenal making their way to the semi-finals of the Champions League, coupled United and Spurs making it to the semi-final of the Europa League (and Chelsea qualifying for the Conference League semi-final), England’s UEFA Coefficient rose tremendously, leading to the expansion of UCL qualification spots in the Premier League — from the usual four to five.
Now, if either team (United/Spurs) wins the Europa League as well, then the total number will blow up to 6 — an unprecedented occurrence.
United hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao, while Spurs registered a 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt after the first leg of the semi-final last week. But neither team can rest assured, given their dismal play all season, to hold onto the same, as both shall look to hopefully close out their respective legs to secure a chance at European glory.
- First Published:
