Irish football club Drogheda United has been removed from the upcoming UEFA Conference League competition. The expulsion is a result of UEFA`s regulations concerning multi-club ownership.
This action taken by UEFA raises concerns for Premier League team Crystal Palace, who are reportedly facing a similar situation regarding their potential participation in the Europa League.
Drogheda United is currently owned by the Trivela Group. This group also holds a majority share in Danish club Silkeborg IF. Silkeborg has also qualified for the Conference League.
UEFA`s rules stipulate that two clubs with the same majority owner cannot compete in the same European competition. As Silkeborg finished in a higher league position in their domestic league compared to Drogheda, they were given priority, leading to Drogheda`s exclusion from the next season`s tournament.
However, officials from Drogheda United are not accepting the decision and plan to appeal the ruling imminently to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The club issued a statement regarding the situation:
“The club confirms notification from UEFA regarding potential expulsion from the UEFA Conference League, as both Drogheda United and Silkeborg IF have qualified for the same competition.
This follows significant but unsuccessful efforts by the club over recent months to work constructively with UEFA on necessary ownership and governance adjustments that would permit both clubs to compete.
We are deeply disappointed by this potential outcome and consider it harsh and unjust, particularly given what we view as inconsistent communication and enforcement of brand-new rule changes across various clubs this year.
An appeal against the decision is being filed with the Court for Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Due to ongoing legal proceedings and out of respect for the process, UEFA, the CFCB, and the principle of sporting integrity, there are limitations on what we can disclose at this time.
“We want to assure everyone that we are, even at this late stage, fighting relentlessly to secure our players`, supporters`, and community`s place in Europe.
We have engaged in discussions with UEFA for months and proposed solutions such as share disposition, trust arrangements, and other undertakings consistent with recent CFCB precedents, but these efforts have been rejected.
Nevertheless, we look forward to the opportunity to present our case at CAS and appreciate your support in advance. Keep the faith.”
Crystal Palace faces a comparable challenge concerning qualification for the Europa League. Their largest shareholder, John Textor, is also the majority owner of French club Lyon, which has also secured a spot in the Europa League this season.
Under UEFA rules, Lyon has been granted priority because they finished higher in their league standings, while Crystal Palace qualified by winning the FA Cup.
Representatives from Crystal Palace have met with UEFA officials in Switzerland to argue that John Textor does not hold a controlling influence over the London-based club.
A final decision regarding Crystal Palace`s Europa League status is anticipated by the end of June.
Amidst this regulatory challenge, Textor is reportedly exploring the sale of his shares in Crystal Palace. Reports this week indicated that Woody Johnson, owner of the NFL`s New York Jets, has made an offer for Textor`s stake.
Should Textor successfully divest his shares before June 27, it appears likely that Crystal Palace would then be permitted to retain their place in the Europa League.
