Chelsea may soon face an unusual decision regarding their European football participation next season, as a new UEFA rule could force the London club to choose between the Champions League and Europa League.

The Blues, currently battling to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League which would guarantee Champions League qualification, could find themselves in a unique position due to their ongoing Europa Conference League campaign.

According to UEFA regulations, if Enzo Maresca's side both finish in the Premier League's Champions League spots and win the Conference League final against Real Betis, they would be given the option to select which European competition they wish to enter next season.

Chelsea currently sit within the Premier League's top five but are only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, with Nottingham Forest just one point behind in seventh place. The Blues have crucial fixtures remaining against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest that could determine their final league position.

While it seems unlikely that Chelsea would opt for the Europa League over the more prestigious and lucrative Champions League, the rule exists primarily to accommodate situations where qualification spots might involve navigating preliminary rounds.

This situation highlights the complex qualification pathways that now exist in European football, with teams potentially qualifying for multiple competitions through different routes.

Chelsea fans will be watching closely as the season concludes, with the club potentially facing this unusual decision that could shape their European campaign for the 2025/26 season.