After only finishing 13th in the relevant UEFA five-year ranking, the ÖFB clubs not only lose their only fixed place in the Champions League. The cup winner or third place in the league will no longer at least start in the Conference League group phase, but will have to qualify.
22nd place in the annual ranking
Scotland (10th/CL fixed place, 36,050), the Czech Republic following a dream season (11th/35,800) and Switzerland (12th/32,975) are now ahead of Austria (32,600). In the worst case scenario, Greece (17th) might also overtake them. There is no difference between 13th and 14th place. From 16th place onwards, the fifth European Cup starting position would be gone. Austria’s representatives Salzburg, Sturm, LASK, Rapid and Austria only got a total of 4.8 points this season, which corresponds to 22nd place in the one-year ranking. The last time fewer points were scored was in 2015/16. 2022/23 was also a poor result with 4.9 points.
In the coming season, when the European Cup reform takes effect, the domestic champion will definitely still be in the Champions League group phase. In addition, the runner-up starts in the second of four qualifying rounds for the “premier class”. The ÖFB Cup winner – or the third place in the league, should the cup winner end up in the top two – will enter the Europa League play-off. There are further starting places for Austria in the second qualifying round for the Europa League and the Conference League.
