Crystal Palace’s Conference League win will not alter Sunderland’s Europa League route | OneFootball

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

Sunderland Echo points out that the Black Cats earned Europa League football through their Premier League finish.

Régis Le Bris’ side finished seventh after a historic final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, with Brentford and Brighton failing to win elsewhere. Palace, as Conference League winners, qualify for the Europa League too. The routes are separate, so Palace’s success does not push Sunderland into qualifying rounds or the Conference League.

In practical terms, Palace’s victory simply adds another English club to next season’s European picture. Sunderland do not face extra matches before the league phase.

Under usual UEFA draw restrictions, clubs from the same association are kept apart in the league phase, so Sunderland and Palace would not be expected to meet then. A tie could only arise later if both progress.

Sunderland will return to European competition for the first time since 1973-74 after a standout season under Le Bris, one year after promotion through the Championship play-offs.

Source: Sunderland Echo