Why Chelsea are playing Conference League Playoffs

Chelsea find themselves in the Europa Conference League Playoffs this season, despite finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.

The unusual situation came due to Manchester United’s success in the FA Cup.

By winning the title, Manchester United secured a place in the Europa League, despite finishing eighth in the Premier League.

The win had a knock-on effect, pushing Chelsea down into UEFA’s third-tier competition, the Europa Conference League.

Newcastle United, who finished seventh, were also impacted, missing out on European football altogether as a result.

The Europa Conference League, now in its third season, has a unique format.

Unlike the Europa League, Chelsea did not automatically qualify for the group stage, now referred to as the ‘League Stage.’

Instead, they must go through a playoff round. This week Thursday, they face Swiss side Servette, with the tie being played over two legs.

A win will then secure their place in the League Stage.

The competition includes 48 teams in the playoffs, split into two paths: the Champions Path and the League Path.

Chelsea are among 38 teams in the League Path, which includes domestic league qualifiers and those eliminated from the Europa League qualifying rounds.

If Chelsea progress, they will enter the League Stage, starting on October 3, marking their return to European football after missing out last season.

Recall their last European campaign saw them reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where they were eliminated by Real Madrid.