Journalist explains why Chelsea will not ‘automatically accept’ a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League

Chelsea will not automatically accept a place in next season's Europa Conference League despite having qualified, according to a journalist.

Due to Manchester United's shock FA Cup win, Chelsea dropped down into the Europa Conference League next season despite finishing sixth which in the past had secured Europa League football.

A dramatic upturn in form towards the end of the season saw The Blues win their final five games and finish sixth as a result.

Despite the effort, it wasn't seen as good enough by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge and Mauricio Pochettino lost his job.

They are set for yet another turbulent summer searching for a new manager and making sure they continue to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

If they are to compete in Europe they would also have to comply with stricter financial fair play rules, which is why journalist Matt Law thinks there is a possibility they withdraw from the competition.

Speaking on the At The Bridge Podcast, Law said: "Because UEFA FFP is stricter than Premier League PSR, Chelsea will not automatically accept an invitation to the Europa Conference League for risk of breaching financial rules and a subsequent European ban."

The Conference League is the third competition in Europe and for two-time Champions League winners Chelsea, it could likely be seen as a tournement not worth entering if it risks a future ban.

One thing is clear, Chelsea have the squad depth needed to enter and could easily field two different sides in the league and Europe.

It may be a decision that is taken out of the hands of an incoming manager and made in the boardroom.

Whatever happens, Pochettino's successor will have a huge job on their hands and it remains to be seen if they'll be afforded the time needed to succeed.