An unusual regulation concerning the Conference League could give Chelsea the opportunity to select which European competition they participate in next season. ..Continue Reading
As things currently stand, Chelsea is in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League. They occupy fifth place in the Premier League table with two matches left to play and, according to Opta, have a 56.3% probability of securing a return to Europe’s top-tier tournament.
However, the club may also have the option to compete in the Europa League instead.
This scenario would arise if Chelsea wins the Conference League final against Real Betis while simultaneously qualifying for the Champions League through their Premier League finish.
Under UEFA’s rules, this could grant them the choice of which competition to enter.
As explained by ESPN: ‘If Chelsea win the Conference League and qualify for the Champions League, they can choose which competition they play in next season: The UCL or the UEL as European titleholders.’
In addition, the reason for this clause is ‘to cover a team from one of Europe’s lower-ranked leagues winning the Conference League.
If they take up their domestic UCL place in the qualifying stages they wouldn’t be guaranteed to play in the UEL.
‘If they feel making the UCL league phase through qualifying is tough, they can opt to take the automatic place in the UEL league phase earned by winning the Conference League.’
Chelsea is set to secure their Champions League spot in this situation, as head coach Enzo Maresca emphasized in February that finishing in the top four or five was the club’s main objective.
If the Blues manage to defeat Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their last two Premier League fixtures, and Aston Villa does not pull off an improbable goal difference turnaround, they will be competing in Europe’s elite tournament next season.
