Arsène Wenger has called for a significant change to the Europa League qualification rules as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur edge closer to an all-English final. Both Premier League clubs have struggled domestically this season, sitting 15th and 16th respectively, yet they remain on course to meet in the Europa League final on May 21 at Bilbao’s San Mamés stadium.
Wenger, currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, expressed concerns that the current system allows teams to qualify for the next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League, even if their domestic league performance is poor. Speaking on beIN SPORTS, he suggested that Europa League winners should instead qualify automatically for the next season’s Europa League, not the Champions League, especially in leagues like the Premier League where five teams already qualify directly for Europe’s top competition.
He acknowledged UEFA’s desire to keep the Europa League competitive by offering a Champions League spot as an incentive but warned this could undermine the tournament’s integrity. The recent format changes, which prevent third-placed Champions League group teams from dropping into the Europa League, have already altered the competition’s prestige, making the path to the trophy somewhat less challenging.
Manchester United and Tottenham both secured commanding first-leg victories in their semi-finals-United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away, while Tottenham won 3-1 against Bodo/Glimt at home-putting them in strong positions to reach the final. This scenario would guarantee both clubs a place in next season’s Champions League despite their low Premier League standings, potentially leading to a record low-ranked Europa League champion.
Wenger’s call highlights a growing debate about whether the Europa League should serve as a backdoor to the Champions League, especially when underperforming domestic teams benefit disproportionately. With the Premier League already set to have five direct Champions League qualifiers, the possibility of up to seven English teams competing in Europe next season looms large if United and Spurs lift the trophy.
The final, confirmed to remain at San Mamés regardless of the finalists, will mark a rare all-English European final and could reshape discussions on European qualification rules moving forward.