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'Doesn’t sit well..'- Ex-PL player slams UEFA rules as Tottenham revive hope for UCL football

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated May 16, 2025 12:09 PM ET

Tottenham have the chance of qualifying for Champions League football next season

Tottenham Hotspur have the chance of ending their long-standing trophy drought this season. The Lilywhites are in the Europa League finals and take on Manchester United for the trophy. Winning the game would mean that Spurs would bring a European trophy back to N17 after 41 years. There is no doubt that this is the most important game in the club’s recent history.

After the disastrous campaign that Spurs have endured in the Premier League, the Europa League is acting as the saving grace. The North London club sits 17^th in the league table, registering 20 losses in that time. Nothing can justify the horrendous form in domestic competitions by Ange’s men.

Spurs have been so far off the top half of the Premier League table. However, they would still qualify for the Champions League next season if they manage to win the Europa League this season. It was reported earlier that Arsene Wenger slammed the UEFA rules, stating that the Europa League winners should not be allowed to participate in the Champions League next season. The legendary manager added that the Europa League winners should instead be allowed to play in the same competition again next season.

Micah Richards adds fuel to the fire for the UCL spot row

Tottenham have the chance of ensuring Champions League football for next season if they win the Europa League. The Lilywhites take on Manchester United in the final, a team they have already beaten thrice in all competitions this season. Fans will hope that the players continue their good form in Europe and ensure that the trophy comes back to N17.

Now, Micah Richards has slammed the UEFA rules of allowing Europa League winners to play Champions League football the following season. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said,

“It doesn’t sit well with me though that you can be so bad in the league, win a trophy, and then get Champions League football, it’s supposed to be the consistency throughout the season. But rules are rules, I don’t think we should start debating that now, it’s been like that for a while and you just roll with it.”

Micah Richards suggested that it is not fair that a team that has struggled domestically can get the chance of playing Champions League football in the following season. The ex-player also insisted that qualifying for the competition should be judged on consistent performances and it should also be based on merit. However, Richards then acknowledges that there is no point in debating as the rules cannot be changed.

The debate for the Champions League spot has gained a lot of momentum in recent weeks. No one seemed to have a problem with the rules until last season, and Spurs fans have felt that their team is being targeted by the media. Winning the Europa League would also ensure that Tottenham would get a huge influx of money to spend in the transfer window. It is vital for Ange Postecoglou to deliver the trophy as this is the only way the ex-Celtic boss can save his job at N17.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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