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Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Champions League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Champions League
Yes, the scenario is an unlikely one, but what will happen if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League but somehow win the Champions League come the end of the 2025-26 season?
Following their 2-1 defeat against Newcastle this week, Spurs dropped down to 16th in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone.
Thomas Frank would insist his job was not under threat as he spoke to reporters, but the Dane was soon relieved of his duties, with results and performances being deemed unacceptable.
Spurs have struggled in the league of late. In fact, they are currently on a miserable run of two wins from their last 17 league matches.
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On the other hand, they managed to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage with a fourth-placed finish in the group phase, having picked up five wins from eight games.
According to Opta, the Lilywhites have a 6.19 per cent chance of reaching the final in Budapest on May 30 and an even slimmer 2.29 per cent chance of winning the competition for the first time in their history.
That being said, their top four finish in the group phase has put them in a strong position ahead of a round of 16 clash against either Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge or Galatasaray.
The Premier League side will play the second leg of the round of 16 at home, and if they happen to progress, that advantage will carry into the quarter-final stage.
So, what happens if they win the Champions League but suffer relegation from the Premier League?
UEFA rules state that the Champions League winners automatically qualify for the following season’s Champions League, regardless of where they finish domestically.
Of course, winning a European trophy does not override relegation.
They would drop down to the Championship and lose out on Premier League TV revenue, although the money from winning a Champions League would certainly offer a crumb of comfort.
If the unlikely scenario does play out, then Spurs would have to play 46 Championship games on top of Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures, not to mention potentially featuring in the Club World Cup.
Has this ever happened before? No, but back in 2013, Wigan played in the Europa League after being relegated to the Championship following an FA Cup final win over Manchester City.