The results of yesterday's Italian league games have changed the allocation of direct places in next season's Champions League group stage.
The results of yesterday's Italian championship match have changed the allocation of direct qualification to the Champions League group stage next season:
- 24 clubs based on championships in countries ranked 1-11 in the UEFA table of coefficients (excluding Russia, which was ousted from world football);
- the winner of the Champions League for the current season;
- the winner of the current season's Europa League.
This season's Champions League final is known to be contested between English side Manchester City and Italian side Inter. However, the Citizens have long since secured a trip to the Champions League group stage from England. Yesterday, a place in the Champions League group stage was sealed for Inter: They will not drop below fourth place, the only four teams Italy will field in the group stage of the Champions League.
Therefore, the place of this season's winner in the UEFA Champions League group stage of next season's competition is now vacant. According to the regulations, it must be taken by the champion of the country that occupies the 12th position in the UEFA table of coefficients. And that country is Ukraine.
Thus, the champion of Ukraine 2022/23 will play in the group stage of UEFA Champions League 2023/24. The vice-champion will also represent Ukraine in the main European Cup tournament, but will start in it from the 2nd qualification round.
Just two rounds before the end of the current Ukrainian championship, three clubs - Shakhtar, Dnipro 1 and Zorya - retain their chances of the title.
