West Ham United: FIFA agent slams ‘absolutely ridiculous’ development after Freiburg win
FIFA-licenced agent Jonne Lindblom has slammed an “absolutely ridiculous” development that has come as a result of West Ham beating Freiburg.
West Ham’s superb victory over their Bundesliga counterparts means the Premier League will likely have a fifth representative in the Champions League next season due to the division’s coefficient.
When that was pointed out on Twitter by journalist Miguel Delaney [14 March], Lindblom was quick to reply via his personal account.
“Absolutely ridiculous that 25% of Premier League clubs will qualify for Champions League next season but that’s modern football for you,” he said.
West Ham United on course for more European football at London Stadium
West Ham will not directly benefit from the additional Champions League spot as such, but it could mean an additional European spot further down the table.
As things stand, finishing in seventh will likely be enough for a Europa Conference League spot as EFL Cup winners Liverpool seem certain to qualify for the Champions League directly.
If a fifth Champions League spot is awarded to the Premier League, that then means a team finishing in eighth – currently Brighton and Hove Albion – could also be in line for a European spot.
That is overkill in many ways, but it does at least give lots of sides something to play for as we enter the closing stages of the campaign.
For example, Bournemouth in 13th will look at Brighton seven points ahead of them and realise a European spot is not out of the question.
From West Ham’s perspective, finishing above Manchester United in sixth will remain the aim for now, but it is nice to know there is a safety net of sorts if that is not achieved.
In other West Ham news, Anton Ferdinand was adamant over what should happen with David Moyes at London Stadium.
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