FA Cup final to impact 2025 European spots

The outcome of the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City on Saturday will significantly influence which Premier League clubs qualify for European competitions next season.

Traditionally, the FA Cup winner secures one of England's two UEFA Europa League (UEL) spots, with the other going to the fifth-placed Premier League team.

However, due to Premier League clubs' strong performances in UEFA competitions this season, an additional UEFA Champions League (UCL) spot has been allocated.

Consequently, the top five Premier League teams will qualify for the UCL, and the sixth-placed team will enter the UEL.

Implications of the FA Cup Final:

• If Crystal Palace Wins: Currently 12th in the Premier League and unable to finish higher than ninth, Palace would claim the UEL spot by winning the FA Cup.
• If Manchester City Wins: City, presently fourth, are assured of at least a UCL or UEL spot through their league position. Should they win the FA Cup, the UEL spot associated with the cup victory would transfer to the next-highest Premier League team not already qualified for Europe, potentially the seventh-placed team.

Additionally, Newcastle United, guaranteed a top-seven finish and already qualified for the UEFA Conference League (UCoL) by winning the EFL Cup, could see their UCoL spot passed down to the eighth-placed team if they secure a higher-tier European qualification.

This scenario opens opportunities for clubs like Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, AFC Bournemouth, and Fulham—currently positioned eighth to eleventh—to qualify for European competitions, depending on the FA Cup result and final league standings.

Fans of these clubs may find themselves supporting Manchester City in the final, as a City victory could enhance their own team's chances of European qualification.