UEFA puts multi-owned clubs at risk of European exclusion

December 14, 2025 Oliver Obel

UEFA has issued another clear warning to teams across Europe: clubs involved in multi-club ownership structures must meet all eligibility requirements by 1 March, with no exceptions once the deadline passes.

The reminder follows the high-profile case of Crystal Palace, who were moved from the Europa League into the Conference League after falling foul of these rules last season.

In a circular distributed on Monday, officials stated that clubs should not expect any flexibility, emphasising that all structural changes affecting ownership influence must be completed well in advance of European qualification assessments.

CAS ruling removes any ambiguity

UEFA’s firm stance comes on the heels of continuing discussion about whether its regulations might be softened. Those hopes faded after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) released a detailed decision last week upholding the governing body’s interpretation of the rules.

According to BBC reporting, UEFA bars two clubs under the same ownership umbrella from entering the same European competition. If a conflict is possible, the side finishing lower in its domestic league is required to forfeit its European spot.

The rule had long existed but was rarely tested. That changed last year when UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body moved the annual assessment date from 1 June to 1 March, citing concerns that rapidly expanding multi-club networks could compromise competitive integrity.

The shift had immediate consequences. Palace, along with Drogheda United and Slovakia’s FC DAC 1904, were ruled non-compliant. In Palace’s case, CAS agreed that former co-owner John Textor exercised decisive influence at both the Premier League club and France’s Lyon. The tribunal also confirmed that UEFA has no mechanism to permit late restructuring after the March deadline.

UEFA’s motivation: competitive clarity

UEFA has repeatedly argued that the policy is designed to protect European competitions from conflicts of interest. The early deadline, it says, gives clubs clear expectations when planning ownership adjustments or investment moves ahead of potential qualification.

Officials view predictability as essential. With multi-club models becoming increasingly common, UEFA believes a rigid timeline prevents last-minute manoeuvring that could disrupt tournament integrity.

Accusations of unequal treatment rejected

During their appeal, Palace claimed that other clubs including Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, the latter owned by Chelsea’s BlueCo group had been granted additional time in case potential conflicts arose with Olympiakos or Chelsea.

CAS dismissed the allegation, noting that neither hypothetical scenario materialised because the clubs did not qualify for the same competition. As a result, the rule was never triggered, and UEFA's handling of those cases did not constitute preferential treatment.

UEFA’s latest communication appears designed to prevent similar disputes. Its message leaves little room for interpretation: clubs linked through multi-team structures must resolve ownership issues well before March or risk losing European places next season.

The policy could prove particularly significant for ownership groups such as INEOS, which controls both Manchester United and Nice and could face regulatory scrutiny if both sides qualify for European tournaments.

Sources: BBC, CAS