Arsene Wenger calls on Champions League qualification for Europa League winners to be 'reviewed' as Man Utd and Tottenham eye final spot

Manchester United and Tottenham are on the cusp of the Europa League final as they hold 3-0 and 3-1 semi-final first-leg leads over Athletic Club and Bodo/Glimt, respectively. Now, Wenger, who is FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, believes it would be more appropriate if the Europa League winner is guaranteed a spot in the same competition for next season rather than ascending to the Champions League.

When asked if it is right that the Europa League winner qualifies for the Champions League, Wenger told beIN Sports: "No. Well, it is right if you make the decision [for the Europa League winner to get Champions League qualification]. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in a league where you already have too many teams, five teams, qualify. So, if we looked at it, maybe it is something to think about to review that. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated, you need that prize."

United and Tottenham are having dire seasons by their lofty standards, with Ruben Amorim's team sitting 15th in the Premier League and Ange Postecoglou's side are a place behind them. The thought of clubs finishing that low in their domestic league and then qualifying for the Champions League seems bizarre, so maybe this will be up for review.

United host Athletic Club in the second-leg of this Europa League semi-final on Thursday, whereas Tottenham travel to Bodo/Glimt on the same day.