Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal manager and current FIFA head of football development, has called for UEFA to reconsider the rule that grants Europa League winners automatic qualification to the Champions League. Speaking to beIN Sports, Wenger said, "No – they should automatically qualify for the Europa again but not necessarily for the Champions League," highlighting that in leagues like the Premier League, where five teams already qualify for Europe, this rule needs review.
Wenger's comments come as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, currently 15th and 16th in the Premier League respectively, are both poised to reach the Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao. Both clubs would benefit from the current rule, which allows Europa League champions to enter the next season's Champions League regardless of their domestic league position.
Wenger argued that while some may see Champions League qualification as a necessary incentive to keep the Europa League competitive, the current system could unfairly advantage teams that perform poorly in their domestic leagues. He urged UEFA to "think about and review" the policy to maintain the integrity of European competitions.
This debate gains significance as England is set to have five Premier League teams in the Champions League next season due to the country's UEFA coefficient, potentially allowing six English clubs if the Europa League winners also qualify through this route. Wenger also expressed concerns that increasing Champions League spots for top leagues might widen the gap between elite clubs and the rest of Europe.
Wenger’s stance adds to ongoing discussions about European football’s structure, reflecting his broader interest in football reforms since leaving Arsenal in 2018.