Crystal Palace’s Conference League win does not affect Sunderland’s Europa League route | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Conference League triumph does not change Sunderland’s qualification or route for next season’s Europa League.

Sunderland Echo reports that suggestions of the Black Cats being pushed into qualifying rounds or extra games are unfounded.

Régis Le Bris’ side qualified via the Premier League, finishing seventh after a final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.

Brentford and Brighton failed to win elsewhere, and that was enough to confirm Europa League football.

Palace qualify for the Europa League as UEFA competition winners, so they join Sunderland. The routes are separate and Sunderland are not moved into the Conference League.

In practical terms, Palace’s success simply adds another English club to Europe and does not impose any extra hurdle or jeopardise Sunderland’s place.

Under usual UEFA draw restrictions, teams from the same association are kept apart in the league phase, so Sunderland would not be expected to face Palace then.

A meeting could only happen later if both progress.

For Sunderland, it marks a return to Europe for the first time since 1973-74, a year after promotion through the Championship play-offs and after a remarkable campaign under Le Bris.

Preparations can continue for a season that includes both Premier League and European football.

Source: Sunderland Echo