Tottenham Hotspur have failed to qualify for the Europa Conference League round of 16 stage after forfeiting the final group game against Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.
Spurs could not assemble a team for the final group stage game against the French club due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. The game was initially postponed with the hope of rescheduling the fixture. Apart from this encounter, the Lillywhites game against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City were also called off in the Premier League for the same reason.
After failing to organize the postponed game between Tottenham Hotspur and Stade Rennais. UEFA have decided to award a 3-0 win to the French club which is the rule for the forfeited games.
As per the UEFA rules, the group stage games of the club competitions will have to finish before 31st December. But, due to a congested domestic schedule for the Lillywhites, a date could not be managed. Spurs needed a win to qualify for the next round after a disappointing defeat against NS Mura. But, they couldn’t overcome that shocking defeat.
After this decision, Spurs have failed to qualify for the knock-out stages of Europe’s lowest tier club competition. And the French side have secured a place in the round of 16 as the group leader and Vitesse have finished in second place in the group.
What this means for Tottenham Hotspur after failing to reach knock-out stage of Europa Conference League:
The Premier League giants were among the favourites to win the inaugural Europa Conference League competition. But, after being knocked out of this competition, their trophy drought will continue for the time being.
However, this result means the new manager Antonio Conte will be able to focus on the Premier League. They will be hoping to finish in the top four spot and will be able to focus just on the main objective from now on.
Tottenham displayed a promising performance against Liverpool in the last game in the Premier League. And if they keep on performing like this. Then they could end up in the top four spot. And with a few more investments the North Londoners might dream about a title challenge for next season under Antonio Conte.
