Top flight club kicked out of Conference League in warning to Crystal Palace
UEFA Holds Firm on Multi-Club Ownership Rules as Crystal Palace Await Crucial Verdict Amid Drogheda United Expulsion
UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have reaffirmed their strict stance on multi-club ownership regulations, intensifying concerns for Crystal Palace, who are anxiously awaiting a final ruling on their eligibility to participate in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
The South London club had earned a place in the prestigious European competition after their FA Cup triumph, a moment that marked a high point in their recent history. However, that joy has been overshadowed by growing uncertainty surrounding their European status due to concerns over a potential violation of UEFA’s ownership rules.
The root of the issue lies with Palace’s majority shareholder, American businessman John Textor, who also holds a controlling stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais. Both clubs have qualified for the 2025/26 Europa League, which has triggered UEFA’s scrutiny. Under UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, any individual or entity that possesses a “decisive influence” — defined as holding 30% or more of a club’s voting rights — may not have such influence over another club also competing in the same European competition.
Crystal Palace, however, argue that Textor does not exert “decisive influence,” pointing out that he holds only 25% of the voting rights at the club, a figure below UEFA’s regulatory threshold. Despite this, UEFA has yet to deliver a verdict on whether this arrangement breaches the spirit or letter of the regulations.
In the meantime, Nottingham Forest, who finished just outside the European places in the Premier League, have reportedly submitted formal communication to UEFA requesting clarity on Palace’s status. Should Palace be ruled ineligible, Forest could be next in line to take their place in the Europa League.
As Palace await the outcome, UEFA’s unwavering stance was demonstrated in another case earlier this week when Drogheda United, a League of Ireland club, were officially expelled from European competition after failing in their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Drogheda United had qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League after winning the Irish domestic cup, a remarkable achievement for a club that finished ninth in their ten-team league. However, their joy was short-lived after UEFA ruled the club ineligible due to its ownership structure.
The club is owned by the Trivela Group, which also holds a majority stake in Silkeborg IF, a Danish Superliga club that also secured a place in the Conference League by winning the Danish Cup. With both Trivela-owned clubs having qualified for the same European competition, UEFA moved to enforce its multi-club ownership rules.
After mounting a lengthy legal challenge to the decision, Drogheda were left devastated as their appeal was dismissed by CAS, effectively ending their hopes of competing in Europe for the coming season.
In a heartfelt and emotional statement, Drogheda United expressed their deep disappointment and frustration at the outcome of the appeal.
“It is with great heartbreak and disbelief that we inform you we have lost our appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the club announced. “We strongly disagree with this decision and had hoped that the principles of fairness and common sense would prevail.”
The statement went on to highlight the months of effort that had gone into their case — from legal arguments and constructive dialogue with authorities, to numerous proposals built on precedent. Despite support from fans, stakeholders, and members of the football community, their case was ultimately unsuccessful.
“We know how hard this team fought to earn a place in European competition,” the club continued. “We know how transformational this opportunity could have been — financially, emotionally, and historically — for our players, our staff, and our supporters.”
Despite the setback, Drogheda United have vowed not to let the ruling define them. Instead, they plan to use it as motivation, channeling their disappointment into renewed effort both on and off the pitch. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue investing in the club’s growth — including infrastructure projects like their new stadium — and their desire to make European football a regular part of the club’s future.
“This club is on the rise. Our league is on the rise. And no single outcome will change that,” the statement concluded. “We fight on. Together. Drogheda United & Trivela Group.”
The outcome of the Drogheda case now casts an even larger shadow over Crystal Palace’s own European aspirations. UEFA has shown that it will not hesitate to enforce its rules, even at the expense of smaller or community-driven clubs.
As the football world waits for UEFA’s final decision regarding Palace, the message is clear: compliance with multi-club ownership rules will be enforced without compromise — regardless of how painful or controversial the consequences may be.