Premier League’s bid for extra Champions League spot in peril after early exits

The Premier League finds itself at risk of missing out on an additional Champions League spot for the upcoming season, following the premature eliminations of Manchester United and Newcastle United in the current campaign’s European competitions.

Both English clubs finished at the bottom of their respective groups, resulting in an unexpected early departure from European football altogether. This turn of events holds significant implications for the Premier League’s bid to secure an additional Champions League berth for the next season.

Next season’s Champions League will witness an expansion to 36 teams, with two extra spots earmarked for European leagues. This adjustment implies that the team finishing fifth in the Premier League standings could potentially earn an automatic qualification for the prestigious tournament.

However, based on its association coefficient rankings, UEFA determines which leagues will be granted the extra places. These rankings are formulated from the collective results of clubs representing each league in UEFA competitions.

In recent history, the Premier League has been a consistent contender for an additional Champions League place. Over the past seven seasons, England has secured an extra spot on six occasions due to the impressive performances of its clubs in European competitions.

Yet, the current situation has raised concerns. With Manchester United and Newcastle’s unexpected exits this season, England’s standing in ESPN’s coefficient calculations has slipped to third place, trailing behind Germany and Italy.

As per the UEFA Coefficient Points following the conclusion of the Champions League group stage:

Germany: 13.36
Italy: 13.14
England: 12.13
Spain: 12.06
France: 10.42

The margin between the top three leagues remains narrow, emphasizing the significance of every club’s performance in the remainder of the European campaign.

The Premier League faces an uphill battle to reclaim its footing and secure a coveted additional Champions League berth, with the onus now on other English clubs to excel in European competitions and boost England’s association coefficient ranking.

The Premier League’s hopes hang in the balance as the race for extra Champions League spots intensifies, setting the stage for an exhilarating climax in European football this season.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

1 hour ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

1 hour ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

2 hours ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

4 hours ago

What Tolu Arokodare said after helping Genk set a new club record with dominant win over Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight at being part of history-making at KRC Genk after… Read More

5 hours ago

Why PSG will not sign Victor Osimhen

French Ligue 1 champions PSG may decide against signing Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, as… Read More

5 hours ago