Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has urged UEFA to reconsider its Champions League qualification rules, as a potential all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur looms later this month.
The 2025 Europa League final is shaping up to feature the Red Devils and Spurs, despite both clubs currently sitting in the lower half of the Premier League standings.
In last week’s semi-final first legs, Ruben Amorim’s side secured a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, while Tottenham claimed a 3-1 victory against Bodo-Glimt, putting both English teams in strong positions to reach the final scheduled for May 21.
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Under current UEFA regulations, the Europa League winner earns automatic qualification for the following season’s Champions League — a rule Wenger believes is in need of review.
Speaking to reporters, Wenger said:
I believe UEFA needs to review the access list for the Champions League. A team that finishes 10th or 11th domestically but wins a secondary competition shouldn’t automatically leapfrog clubs that have been consistent all season. It devalues the league.
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He added:
Success in Europe is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of domestic meritocracy. The Champions League should reward sustained excellence, not just a good run in a separate competition.
When asked by beIN SPORTS whether it was fair for Europa League winners to gain automatic entry into the Champions League, Wenger responded: “No – they should automatically qualify for the Europa League again, but not necessarily for the Champions League.”
“Especially when you are in the Premier League, where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something [for UEFA] to think about and to review.”
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