As the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham approaches, Arsenal’s legendary former manager Arsène Wenger has stirred up controversy with his belief that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur should not be allowed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. Wenger’s comments come as both teams are set to compete in the Europa League final, despite their low positions in the Premier League standings.
While both sides are fighting for European glory, Wenger challenges UEFA’s rule that allows the winners of the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League, even if they fail to secure a spot through league performance. Wenger's critique highlights a growing debate about the fairness of UEFA’s qualification system and its impact on the integrity of the Champions League.
UEFA’s Current Rule:
UEFA has allowed Europa League winners to qualify for the Champions League since 2014, but Wenger believes this rule may no longer be fair, particularly for teams like Manchester United and Tottenham. The two Premier League clubs, although currently outside the top spots in the league, could still secure a Champions League place by winning the Europa League.
In a BeIN Sports interview, Wenger argued:
“No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League but not necessarily for the Champions League. 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.” — Arsène Wenger
What Wenger Wants to Change:
While UEFA's rule aims to maintain Europa League competitiveness by offering Champions League qualification as a prize, Wenger suggests that the rule should be amended. He proposes that Europa League winners should only qualify for the Europa League, leaving Champions League spots to the top Premier League teams that have earned them.
The Impact of the Rule on Top Premier League Teams
The Premier League currently has five Champions League spots up for grabs. As the fifth spot is traditionally awarded to the Europa League winner, it’s possible for teams outside of the top four to qualify for Europe’s premier competition. This situation has led to heated debates over whether this format dilutes the significance of league performance.
Many fans argue that Manchester United and Tottenham should have to finish in the Premier League’s top four to qualify for the Champions League, regardless of their success in the Europa League. Wenger’s critique also sparks a conversation about whether Premier League teams can dominate European competitions if they’re able to qualify based on a Europa League win alone.
Arsene Wenger’s Legacy and Influence on Football’s Evolution
Despite stepping away from Premier League management in 2018, Wenger continues to influence the game, particularly through his role as FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development. His stance on Champions League qualification reflects his broader views on football reforms, which have included proposals to make the World Cup biennial and alter the offside rule.
Wenger has long been a visionary in football and has continually advocated for reforms to enhance the sport's competitiveness and fairness. Whether or not UEFA will heed his advice remains to be seen, but his thoughts are bound to stir discussion in the football community.
- Wenger questions whether teams finishing outside the top four should be allowed into the Champions League via the Europa League.
- Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are on track to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, despite finishing outside the Premier League’s top four.
- Arsène Wenger calls for a review of UEFA’s qualification rules, stating that Europa League winners should only earn a spot in the Europa League.
Do you agree with Wenger’s opinion on Champions League qualification through the Europa League? Should UEFAmake changes to their rules? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
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By JamesLove 5 May 2025 20:19
Wenger is right, this shouldn’t be allowed but on the other hand. It gives clubs that can’t get into the CL some extra motivation to win it I guess?
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