May 5 – Arsenal’s legendary former boss Arsène Wenger has once again raised eyebrows in football circles with his latest proclamation – this time questioning whether Europa League winners deserve automatic Champions League qualification.
The Frenchman, who guided Arsenal through 19 consecutive Champions League campaigns without ever lifting the trophy, didn’t mince words when speaking to BeIN Sports about the current qualification process.
“No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League,” Wenger stated. “Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify.”
He continued: “I think it’s something for UEFA to think about and to review. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated, you need to give them that prize of qualifying for the Champions League.”
The timing of Wenger’s comments proves particularly intriguing with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both carrying healthy first-leg advantages in their Europa League semi-finals. Should both prevail, the Premier League could see an unprecedented six clubs competing in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Since taking the role of FIFA’s head of global football development in 2019, Wenger hasn’t shied away from proposing radical changes to the beautiful game – including his much-maligned support for a biennial World Cup and controversial offside law alterations.
While these ideas failed to gain serious traction, the influential Frenchman maintains the ear of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, ensuring his opinions rarely go unnoticed in football’s corridors of power.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1746428686labto1746428686ofdlr1746428686owedi1746428686sni@o1746428686fni1746428686
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