Tottenham are on the brink of reaching the Europa League final after beating Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou’s men are enduring a poor Premier League campaign and sit just 16th after drawing 1-1 with West Ham on Sunday.
However, Tottenham are still able to qualify for the Champions League if they progress to the Europa League final and defeat likely opponents Manchester United.
Meanwhile, clinching European silverware may not be enough to save Postecoglou from the sack, as the Australian remains under pressure over his side’s poor domestic season.
Wenger says Europa League winners should not qualify for Champions League
Despite their Premier League woes, Spurs could still compete in the Champions League alongside the likes of top-flight winners Liverpool next term if they win the Europa League.
| Opponent | Result |
| Liverpool (A) | 5-1 L |
| Bodo/Glimt (H) | 3-1 W |
| West Ham (A) | 1-1 D |
But former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the Europa League winners should not be handed that opportunity.
He told beIN SPORTS [4 May]: “They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you’re in a league where five teams qualify.”
🗣️ “They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you’re in a league where five teams qualify…”
Arsene Wenger on the prize of Champions League football for winning the Europa League 👀#MUFC #Spurs pic.twitter.com/Fm4yUqg4KI
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 4, 2025
Wenger could use his influence to prevent Spurs competing in Champions League
The former Arsenal boss not only believes that potential Europa League winners Tottenham or Man United should not compete in the Champions League next season, but also boasts the ability to put those words into action.
Wenger currently serves as FIFA’s head of global football development, and has already proposed significant changes to the game, such as alterations to the offside law and a World Cup tournament every two years.
The Frenchman’s recent comments suggest that he would also be willing to change the structure of the European game, and prevent the Europa League winners from automatically gaining Champions League qualification.
Although such changes are unlikely to be implemented ahead of next season, Spurs and Man United supporters may feel as though Wenger’s comments are not coincidental to the fact that two of Arsenal’s rivals are in contention to win the Europa League, despite enduring poor seasons in the Premier League.
