Chelsea’s season under new manager Enzo Maresca has had its ups and downs, but the club achieved a key goal by securing fourth place in the Premier League following a 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest. The result guarantees Chelsea a spot in the league phase of the 2025–26 Champions League.
The Blues now have the chance to add a trophy to their campaign. On Wednesday, they meet Spanish side Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final in Poland. It’s the first time Chelsea has played in the tournament, and they now stand just one win away from lifting the title.
Victory in the final would mark a significant milestone for Maresca and the club, adding European silverware to their cabinet in his first year at the helm. But an unusual rule tied to winning the competition could give Chelsea a strange decision to consider.
A strange rule creates unusual scenario
Claiming the Conference League title comes with an automatic place in the next season’s Europa League. However, Chelsea already has a confirmed spot in the upcoming Champions League through their domestic finish, meaning they would not need the Europa League ticket.
In this rare case, UEFA allows the Conference League winner to choose between entering the Europa League or sticking with their Champions League place. While it’s a technicality, the choice officially rests with the winning club.
It’s almost certain that Chelsea would continue into the top-tier competition, leaving the Europa League offer on the table. Still, the rule itself is designed to help clubs in different positions. A team winning the Conference League but only qualifying for Champions League qualifiers via their league finish might prefer the Europa League’s guaranteed access to group-stage football.
For Chelsea, who have direct entry into Europe’s most prestigious tournament, the clause holds no real benefit. But it remains a curious situation that highlights an odd piece of tournament structure.
