A unique scenario may unfold in European football, with Chelsea potentially having to choose between two major UEFA competitions next season.
The London club has reached the UEFA Conference League final, where they will face Spain’s Real Betis. Victory in the final would secure Chelsea a spot in the Europa League group stage, Idman.biz reports.
Simultaneously, Chelsea is close to finishing the Premier League season inside the top five — a position that guarantees qualification for the Champions League group stage.
UEFA regulations state that if a team qualifies for two different competitions, the club has the right to choose which tournament to compete in. However, this situation only becomes relevant if Chelsea wins the Conference League and finishes in the Premier League's top five.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea is expected to opt for the Champions League, given its prestige and financial rewards. Choosing the Europa League would only make sense for clubs from weaker leagues, who may fear early elimination in Champions League qualifiers and instead prefer direct entry into the Europa League group stage.
The Conference League final will take place on May 28.
Idman.biz
