ATLETICO MADRID are set to be given a free pass into next season’s Champions League because of “how important they are”, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants currently sit outside of the qualification places, down in sixth after a sub-par season.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
Reports claim Atletico Madrid are guaranteed a spot in next season’s Champions League, as they’re ‘too important’
But Spanish outlet Cope claim officials won’t let them miss out on the 2020-21 competition regardless of what happens in the rest of this season as they’re too big to fail.
While the top four spots in Europe’s major leagues – such as the Premier League and LaLiga – are usually the prerequisite for qualifying, Uefa reserve the right to invite any team they please.
And Cope claim they have been told Atletico Madrid will be in next season’s Champions League “in complete safety”, even if they finish outside the top four.
Uefa claim Atleti are too influential under Diego Simone – having reached the final in both 2014 and 2016.
On top of that, Los Rojiblancos knocked holders Liverpool out of the competition shortly before all football was placed on lockdown.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas is locked in a battle with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales – who wants to use the current standings to determine who earns next season’s European places.
Under the plan, agreed by bosses in Madrid, the last table of completed fixtures will determine which clubs are put forward to Uefa.
If games do not resume, that would see Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad – currently ahead of Getafe on goals scored but who would trail the Madrid minnows on the head to head rule unless they won the scheduled away game – put into the Champions League.
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Atletico Madrid, a point adrift of fourth with 11 games to go, would be forced to take a Europa League place.
The final spot would depend on the Copa del Rey final due to be played between Sociedad and Bilbao.
But should reports in Spain be believed, Atletico may be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing their sport at the top table is secure.
Saul Niguez shows he is the master of the free kick in Atlético Madrid training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
