Is Eze eligible to play in the Champions League for Arsenal?

Eberechi Eze was very close to joining Arsenal, yet tonight the English player will still feature for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League play-off match.

The big signing Eberechi Eze is about to complete his transfer to Arsenal, but there is still a chance he will play for Crystal Palace in tonight’s Europa Conference League play-off. Many Arsenal fans worry that the English star might be ineligible to participate in the Champions League this season, however, UEFA has clear regulations that reassure Arsenal.

According to coach Oliver Glasner, Eze will remain in Crystal Palace’s lineup against Fredrikstad in the Conference League play-off. This is a crucial match taking place while the 27-year-old player is nearly finalized to join Arsenal.

However, under current UEFA rules, Eze playing for Palace in the play-off matches will not affect his eligibility to play for Arsenal in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season. Specifically, a player is allowed to represent two clubs in the same European season, provided he only plays in qualifying or play-off rounds before transferring to the new club for the group stage.

If Eze appears for Crystal Palace in the Europa Conference League group stage this season, he would become ineligible to play for Arsenal in any European competition, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

Therefore, Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation and aims to finalize the transfer before Palace enters the group stage to ensure Eze can be registered for their Champions League campaign.

The deal to “snatch” Eze from Tottenham has caused a stir in the Premier League. The Gunners not only triggered the release clause worth nearly £65 million but also outpaced their fierce rivals Spurs in the race to sign the English attacking midfielder.

At 27 years old, Eze is seen as the perfect signing to upgrade Arsenal’s attack. He can perform well as a number 10 or left winger, bringing high creativity and tactical flexibility to coach Mikel Arteta.

If the transfer completes in the coming days, Arsenal will officially gain a “heavy weapon” for their 2025/26 Champions League campaign. It’s a smart and bold move, showing Arsenal is truly acting like a top club.