Why Europa League winners shouldn't automatically qualify for Champions League - Ex-Arsenal coach

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his disagreement with the current UEFA rule that grants Europa League winners automatic qualification for the following season's Champions League.  

With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur potentially facing each other in the Europa League final, despite their lowly Premier League positions (15th and 16th respectively), the debate surrounding this rule has resurfaced.  

UEFA introduced the rule in 2014, and Manchester United notably benefited from it in 2018 when they qualified for the Champions League after winning the Europa League despite finishing sixth in the Premier League.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Wenger stated, "No - they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in the Premier League where already five teams qualify."  

While acknowledging UEFA's intention to keep the Europa League competitive by offering a significant reward, Wenger believes the policy needs reconsideration.

He continued,  "On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League). I think it's something (for Uefa) to think about and to review."

Wenger, who is now FIFA's head of global football development, believes that Champions League qualification should primarily be based on domestic league performance, especially in leagues like the Premier League with multiple qualification spots.