Drogheda United Challenges UEFA Conference League Expulsion at CAS

Drogheda United faces expulsion from the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules, prompting a legal challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Drogheda United has been informed of their potential expulsion from the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League, a decision they are contesting at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The issue stems from UEFA's regulations prohibiting two clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same tournament. Drogheda, an Irish Premier Division club, is owned by the US-based Trivela Group, which also owns Danish side Silkeborg IF. Both teams qualified for the UEFA Conference League by winning their respective domestic cup competitions.

The Conflict

UEFA rules dictate that the lower-ranked team must be excluded from the competition. In this case, Drogheda, who won the FAI Cup in November 2024 as a semi-professional side, is at risk of expulsion. Silkeborg's seventh-place finish in the Danish league outranks Drogheda's ninth-place standing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Drogheda's Response

In a statement, Drogheda expressed their devastation, calling the decision "harsh and unfair." The club highlighted their efforts to work constructively with UEFA over the past several months to address ownership and governance issues. They also criticized the inconsistent communication and enforcement of new rule changes across various clubs.

Legal Battle

A CAS hearing is scheduled for Monday, where Drogheda will fight to retain their place in European competition. UEFA advanced its assessment date to March 1, but sources indicate that Drogheda did not receive the circular about the date change when it was sent to other clubs.

Broader Implications

This situation mirrors that of Crystal Palace, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. UEFA is also set to decide whether Palace has breached its rules on multi-club ownership, as Eagle Football, which owns a 43% stake in Palace, also holds a 77% stake in French side Lyon. Both clubs have qualified for next season's Europa League.

Historical Context

In recent seasons, clubs like Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United have been admitted into European competitions despite initial concerns over multi-club ownership. Drogheda's case could set a precedent for how UEFA handles similar situations in the future.

What to Read Next

Lyon's Ligue 1 Inclusion Sparks Controversy Amid Financial Turmoil
Football

Lyon's Ligue 1 Inclusion Sparks Controversy Amid Financial Turmoil

Lyon remains in Ligue 1 fixtures despite financial struggles and provisional relegation, sparking debates and potential UEFA implications.

Edouard Mendy: Chasing Trophies, Not Money in Saudi Arabia
Football

Edouard Mendy: Chasing Trophies, Not Money in Saudi Arabia

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy defends his move to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his pursuit of trophies over financial gain.

Leicester City and Van Nistelrooy Part Ways: A New Chapter Begins
Football

Leicester City and Van Nistelrooy Part Ways: A New Chapter Begins

Leicester City confirms the departure of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy after a challenging season, marking a new chapter for the club.

Top Football Free Agents to Watch in July 2025
Football

Top Football Free Agents to Watch in July 2025

Discover the top football players becoming free agents in July 2025, including key names from the Premier League and major European clubs.

Rangers Secure £20M Investment for Future Success: A New Era Begins
Football

Rangers Secure £20M Investment for Future Success: A New Era Begins

Rangers shareholders have approved a £20M investment from new American owners, marking a pivotal moment for the club's future in the Scottish Premiership.

England U21s Triumph Over Spain Could Elevate British Coaches' Global Standing
Football

England U21s Triumph Over Spain Could Elevate British Coaches' Global Standing

Lee Carsley discusses how England U21s' potential victory over Spain at Euro 2025 could significantly enhance the global reputation of British coaches.

Ansu Fati's New Chapter: Monaco Secures Barcelona Star on Loan
Football

Ansu Fati's New Chapter: Monaco Secures Barcelona Star on Loan

Ansu Fati joins Monaco on loan from Barcelona, marking a significant move in European football. Discover the details of this transfer and its implications.

England U21s Ready to Conquer Euro 2025 Final Pressure, Says Cresswell
Football

England U21s Ready to Conquer Euro 2025 Final Pressure, Says Cresswell

Charlie Cresswell expresses confidence in England U21s handling the pressure in the Euro 2025 final against Germany.

Tragedy Strikes as Three Fans Die in Algerian Football Stadium Collapse
Football

Tragedy Strikes as Three Fans Die in Algerian Football Stadium Collapse

A tragic incident at Algeria's 5 July Stadium resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries following a stadium collapse during a celebratory football match.

Isaac Price: The Rising Star of Northern Ireland Football
Football

Isaac Price: The Rising Star of Northern Ireland Football

Isaac Price, a young football prodigy, is making waves in Northern Ireland's football scene with his remarkable goal-scoring ability and versatile play.

Rising Star: Jonathan Rowe's Journey from Mascot to England's U21 Hero
Football

Rising Star: Jonathan Rowe's Journey from Mascot to England's U21 Hero

Discover the inspiring journey of Jonathan Rowe, from being a mascot at Wembley to scoring the winning goal for England U21 in the European Championship.

Transfer Tensions: Arsenal's Sesko Deal in Doubt as Bayern Eyes Chelsea's Gittens
Football

Transfer Tensions: Arsenal's Sesko Deal in Doubt as Bayern Eyes Chelsea's Gittens

Arsenal's pursuit of Benjamin Sesko faces uncertainty, while Bayern Munich targets Chelsea's Jamie Gittens in a high-stakes transfer window.

Tragic Loss: 18-Year-Old Argentine Footballer Camilo Nuin Dies During Knee Surgery
Football

Tragic Loss: 18-Year-Old Argentine Footballer Camilo Nuin Dies During Knee Surgery

The football world mourns the tragic loss of 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Camilo Nuin, who passed away during knee surgery.

Rocky Bushiri Commits to Hibernian Until 2028: A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Football

Rocky Bushiri Commits to Hibernian Until 2028: A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Rocky Bushiri extends his stay at Hibernian until 2028, solidifying his role as a key player and leader both on and off the pitch.

England's Euro 2025 Strategy: Key Questions and Team Dynamics
Football

England's Euro 2025 Strategy: Key Questions and Team Dynamics

Explore the strategic challenges and team dynamics England faces under Sarina Wiegman as they prepare for Euro 2025.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.