Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his disagreement with UEFA's policy that allows Europa League winners to qualify for the Champions League. Speaking to BeIN Sports, Wenger stated, "No - they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League." He emphasized the competitive nature of the Premier League, where already five teams qualify for the Champions League, suggesting that this policy might dilute the competition's quality.

The Debate Over UEFA's Policy UEFA amended its rules in 2014 to grant Champions League access to Europa League victors, a move aimed at increasing the tournament's prestige and competitiveness. However, Wenger believes this approach needs reevaluation. "I think it's something (for UEFA) to think about and to review," he added, pointing out the potential motivational boost the current policy provides to teams participating in the Europa League.

Historical Context and Implications Since the Europa League's rebranding in 2009-10, no team finishing lower than 12th in their domestic league has won the tournament. Sevilla, finishing 12th in La Liga, clinched the title in 2023, while Fulham, also 12th in the Premier League, reached the final in 2010. This historical data supports Wenger's argument that the Europa League already serves as a significant achievement for teams outside the top tier of their leagues.

Wenger's Broader Vision for Football Beyond this specific issue, Wenger, who is now FIFA's head of global football development, has proposed several changes to the sport. These include modifications to the offside law and the organization of the World Cup every two years, reflecting his ongoing commitment to evolving the game to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion As the debate continues, the football community remains divided on the best path forward for ensuring both the Europa League and Champions League maintain their distinct identities and competitive integrity. Wenger's insights contribute to a broader discussion on how football's governing bodies can adapt to the evolving landscape of the sport.