Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has sparked debate by stating that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur should not qualify for the Champions League next season, even if they win the Europa League.
With both clubs poised to meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21, having secured strong first-leg leads in their semi-final ties, their paths to Europe’s premier competition seem clear — but Wenger believes UEFA’s current rules are flawed.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, crushed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away, while Spurs, managed by Ange Postecoglou, earned a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt. However, both Premier League sides have endured dismal domestic campaigns and are guaranteed to finish outside of European qualification spots, currently sitting 15th and 16th respectively.
Since a 2014 rule change, Europa League winners have earned automatic entry into the Champions League — a policy Wenger disagrees with.
“No, they should qualify automatically for the Europa League but not necessarily for the Champions League,” Wenger told BeIN Sports.
“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something UEFA should review.”
Wenger, now FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, added that while the Champions League incentive keeps the Europa League competitive, the integrity of UCL qualification should not be compromised by underwhelming league form.
Historically, no team lower than 12th in their domestic league has won or reached a Europa League final. The precedent exists, however — Sevilla, 12th in LaLiga, triumphed in 2023, while Fulham reached the 2010 final after finishing 12th in the Premier League.
Manchester United previously capitalized on the rule under José Mourinho in 2017, lifting the Europa League and earning Champions League qualification despite finishing sixth.
Amorim, acknowledging United’s league woes following their 4-3 loss to Brentford, said:
“We are losing games in the Premier League, but we are fighting for the Europa League… this is the most important game for us.”
Postecoglou finds himself in a similar scenario, aiming to lead Spurs to their first trophy since 2008.
Wenger’s comments come amid his ongoing push for football reform, having previously proposed radical changes to the offside rule and supported a biennial World Cup.
