As Crystal Palace prepare to take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday, the stakes go far beyond lifting a historic trophy at Wembley. The outcome of this match could have a major ripple effect on which Premier League clubs qualify for European competitions next season.
Why the FA Cup Matters This Season
Traditionally, the FA Cup winner earns one of England’s two spots in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), with the other going to the fifth-placed Premier League team. However, due to the Premier League’s strong performance in UEFA competitions this year, an additional Champions League (UCL) berth has been awarded. This means:
• Top five finishers in the Premier League will go to the Champions League.
• Sixth place will now earn a spot in the Europa League.
• The FA Cup winner also secures a UEL place, unless they’ve already qualified via league position.
If Crystal Palace Win the FA Cup
Crystal Palace currently sit 12th in the league and, even with a strong finish, cannot place higher than ninth—not high enough to qualify for Europe via the league.
If Palace lift the FA Cup, they claim the UEL spot regardless of league position, potentially denying other Premier League teams further down the table a European opportunity.
If Manchester City Win the FA Cup
Manchester City are securely placed within the Premier League’s top four and will qualify for the Champions League through their league position. Should they also win the FA Cup, the UEL spot that comes with it will pass down to the next-highest placed team not already qualified for Europe—most likely the seventh-place finisher.
Enter Newcastle United and the EFL Cup
Another wrinkle in this European puzzle is Newcastle United, who secured a UEFA Conference League (UCoL) spot by winning the EFL Cup. Newcastle are currently in the top seven and are therefore likely to qualify for either the UCL or UEL, based on their league position.
If Newcastle do qualify for a higher-tier European competition, the Conference League spot they earned would also be passed down—this time to the eighth-place team in the league.
Who’s Watching Closely?
This scenario has Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham—currently positioned eighth to 11th—hoping for a Manchester City victory. A win for City could potentially open up a Conference League place for the eighth-placed team.
• For Brentford and Bournemouth, it would mark a historic first European appearance.
• Brighton would be heading into Europe for only the second time.
• Fulham would enjoy a rare fourth venture into continental competition.
Conclusion
Saturday’s FA Cup final isn’t just about silverware—it could shape the destiny of several Premier League clubs. While Crystal Palace seek their first-ever major trophy, many neutrals—particularly fans of clubs in eighth to 11th—will be quietly rooting for Manchester City to win, unlocking one more coveted path into Europe.
