The controversial decision that benefitted Tottenham

Tottenham’s controversial ousting by UEFA from the Europa Conference League allowed Antonio Conte to focus solely on domestic activity, helping his side make a push for the top four. 

Everyone will recall the day Tottenham were controversially eliminated from the Europa Conference League. It was Dec. 20 and Spurs had just endured a Covid outbreak that played havoc with the schedule.

Spurs were set to host Rennes on Dec. 9 in what was a must-win match for Conte’s side. If they triumphed over Rennes, Spurs would have taken second place in the group and advanced to the next stage of Europe’s third tier competition.

Though a predictable outcome, UEFA caused quite a stir when they announced the verdict. The European governing body penalized Tottenham for following protocol and procedure, who were treated harshly in the ruling.

In retrospect, and as many predicted when the verdict was announced, the decision has significantly helped Conte and his side concentrate on domestic affairs. Which has benefitted Spurs substantially.

Thursday evening encounters play havoc with a side’s schedule, increasing the possibility of fatigue, wear and tear, injuries.

Contrarily, the European competition would have facilitated more playing time for fringe players and those not in the first team, but only to a certain extent.

Once Spurs qualified for either the round of 16 or quarterfinals, Conte would have surely turned to his preferred 11, his aces, to provide the best chance of winning the entire competition, again detracting from Tottenham’s Premier League priorities.

While the decision back in December spearheaded all sorts of emotion, including anger, frustration, despair and incredulity, it was the best possible outcome for Spurs, who are surging at precisely the right time.

I’ll never go as far as thanking UEFA for its flawed, arbitrary decision, but at least it’s working in Spurs’ favour.