Through a quirk of fate – because that’s what it will be if Chelsea beat Barcelona and Real Madrid, or even AC Milan, at best – it could cost Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal a place in Champions League next season.
However, Chelsea will have to win the final in Munich for that to happen, then, if the Blues finish fifth in the league, they will play in Europe’s top meet next season.
As per Uefa rules, the winner of the Champions League automatically qualifies for next season’s meet.
However, that will come at the cost of the fourth place team in the Premier League if Chelsea finish fifth.
Chelsea are behind Spurs and Arsenal right now and look likely to finish fifth.
Uefa do not want a repeat of the situation they faced in 2006 when Liverpool won the Champions League and finished behind fourth-placed Everton and both were allowed to qualify handing England five places.
A spokesperson, quoted in the Daily Mail, has said there will be only four English representatives for 2012-13.
“In the situation that Chelsea win the champions League and Arsenal finish fourth, Arsenal will then play in the Europa League,” the report stated.
The Blues are favourites to at least make the semifinals, playing Portuguese giants Benfica in the quarter-finals, with reigning champions Barcelona and AC Milan next.
Caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo believes the Blues can still finish in the top four, insisting a Champions League place is imperative for the club.
He said: “It's very important for the club to have Champions league football next year. It is crucial for us.”