Crystal Palace’s Conference League win will not affect Sunderland’s Europa League place | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Conference League win will not affect Sunderland’s Europa League place next season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats will not face extra qualifying rounds or a switch to the Conference League.

Sunderland clinched Europa League football via their Premier League finish, ending seventh after a final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. Brentford and Brighton failed to win elsewhere, which confirmed their spot.

Palace qualified for the Europa League by winning a UEFA competition, so they join Sunderland in next season’s line-up. The routes are separate and independent.

In practical terms, Palace’s success only adds another English club to the European picture. Sunderland’s entry and path into the league phase are unchanged.

As for a potential meeting, usual UEFA draw restrictions keep clubs from the same association apart in the league phase. A head-to-head could only come later if both progress.

For Sunderland, the focus now turns to preparing for a first European campaign since 1973-74.

Source: Sunderland Echo