How Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United’s European destiny will be decided in the FA Cup final
Although the 2023–24 Premier League season came to a close on Sunday, just five of England’s seven available European spots for the next season had been filled.
After finishing in the top four, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa all earned a spot in the restructured UEFA Champions League.
At the same time, finishing in fifth place will earn Tottenham Hotspur a spot in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League next season.
The outcome of Manchester United’s and Man City’s FA Cup final next weekend will determine the remaining outcome, which is far from guaranteed.
Because of their poor Premier League performance, United will need to win the FA Cup in order to secure a spot in Europe.
Erik ten Hag’s team will join Spurs in the Europa League next season if United defeat City at Wembley.
It would be disappointing for Newcastle, who came in seventh place on Sunday.
If City prevails against United in the final, Newcastle will secure a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the next season.
With a sixth-place finish, Chelsea will undoubtedly be playing in Europe next year.
The Stamford Bridge team will play in the Conference League if United win at Wembley, but if City win the FA Cup, Chelsea will be in the Europa League.
Some Chelsea supporters may be secretly hoping that their team makes it to the Conference League, even if the Europa League is far more prestigious.
Win the Conference League, and you’ll join Chelsea’s ranks of Champions League (2012, 2021) and Europa League (2013, 2019) champions.
With a spot in Europe’s third-best league next year, Chelsea would have a shot at being the first team in history to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League all in the same season.
Which English clubs will be participating in the 2024–25 European season?
Manchester City – certain Champions League berth
Unconditional Champions League berth for Arsenal
Liverpool: Champions League spot assured
Champions League spot assured for Aston Villa
Tottenham: Europa League spot assured
Chelsea will play in the Conference League if Manchester United win the FA Cup, and the Europa League if Manchester City do.
Victory in the FA Cup would put Manchester United in the Europa League.
In the event that Manchester City win the FA Cup, Newcastle will play in the Conference League!
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