UEFA's decision to kick Tottenham Hotspur out of the Europa Conference League could have major ramifications for Arsenal.
A surge in positive Covid-19 cases meant that Spurs were unable to play their final group stage match against French side Rennes earlier this month, with the Lillywhites' attempts to reschedule the match also coming unstuck.
Now, UEFA have delivered their verdict on the game, releasing a statement that confirmed Spurs would forfeit the match 3-0.
The statement read: “Following several positive cases of COVID-19 that were identified from players and staff of Tottenham Hotspur FC, the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC – scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021 in London, United Kingdom – could not be played.
“The matter was submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex J of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season).
"Based on the Article 30 (4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and given the urgent circumstances of the matter, the ad-hoc chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body referred the case to the Appeals Body.
“The Chairman of the UEFA Appeals Body took the following decision: To declare the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC, that was initially scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021, as forfeited by Tottenham Hotspur FC, who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 0-3 in accordance with Annex J.3.1 to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season).”
The decision to knock Tottenham out of the competition could be a major blow to Arsenal's top-four challenge, considering they were the only team competing for the coveted Champions League position that weren't in Europe this season, with Manchester United and West Ham both qualifying for the knockout stages of their respective competitions.
Antonio Conte's side are currently just seven points behind their local rivals whilst boasting three games in hand, with the lack of European football making it easier to play those fixtures in the coming months.
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Despite having the luxury of playing just once most weeks, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted that it was painful seeing the north Londoners' rivals in competition with other top sides in Europe.
Speaking back in September, Arteta said: "It hurts a lot in the last few days to put TV on and see those teams there (the Champions League), and not see Arsenal there.
"It was painful. One hundred per cent. I don't want to be sitting there with Arsenal out of those competitions."
