Tottenham take advantage of a key UEFA rule.
Tottenham Hotspur have taken advantage of a little-known UEFA regulation to make a crucial adjustment to their Champions League squad. With Dominic Solanke sidelined through injury, Thomas Frank has moved quickly to register Mathys Tel, a decision that could impact Spurs’ European campaign in a major way.
Why Tottenham Needed the UEFA Loophole
Dominic Solanke has endured a frustrating season, struggling with an ankle injury that has kept him out since the summer. After coming off the bench three times in August, the striker required a minor procedure in October and has yet to return to training. His prolonged absence, now exceeding 60 days, triggered a UEFA provision allowing clubs to temporarily replace an injured player during the league phase up until matchday six.
Initially, Spurs were forced to leave out £30m summer signing Mathys Tel from their Champions League List A due to the 22-player limit and a shortage of locally trained footballers. However, Solanke’s long-term injury opened the door for the club to register Tel before the closing window for such changes. (via Football.London)
How the Champions League Squad Rule Works
UEFA’s rule states that a club may replace one outfield player who has suffered a long-term injury or illness, defined as lasting at least 60 days, provided the replacement was already registered with the team before the List A deadline. The substituted player remains ineligible until the 60-day period ends, even if they recover sooner.
Crucially, if the injured player was considered club-trained or association-trained, that quota must still be met. Tottenham achieved this by ensuring four association-trained players, Djed Spence, Archie Gray, Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, remained registered. This allowed Solanke to move into the main group and created the opening for Tel to be added. (via Goal)
What Thomas Frank Said About the Decision
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted that, in hindsight, he may have selected Tel in the original squad had he known how Solanke’s injury would progress. Frank emphasised the importance of having “the most possible weapons to fire with,” especially with injuries accumulating across the squad.
“Of course if I knew back then what I know now I maybe would have changed the decision, no doubt about that,” said the Dane. “Of course it is something we can have into consideration if you can change one player, what is the timing and when is the other player back? It is also a decision in terms of some of the long-term injuries, when can they be back? And we also need players fit and available so we have enough players to shoot with from the bench.
“I think it is definitely some consideration we have [to bring in Tel], with the players we have available to make sure we have the most possible weapons to fire with.”
What Happens When Solanke Returns?
UEFA rules allow Solanke to reclaim his place once fit, with Tel being removed from the squad at that point. If Spurs advance to the knockout phase, they can register up to three new players before the next round, offering further flexibility as the competition progresses.
