Clubs operating under a multi-club ownership model could be expelled from next season’s European competition following UEFA’s strong stance. Rangers and Leeds United were among the teams affected by the US takeover of Ibrox last summer. Despite winning the FA Cup last season, Crystal Palace were controversially relegated from the Europa League to the Conference League this season.
UEFA ruled that former Eagles co-owner John Texter had “determined influence” over both the Premier League team and Ligue 1 side Lyon. Both clubs had secured spots in the Europa League. However, in the event of a dispute, clubs that finish bottom in their domestic leagues must be stripped of their status.
UEFA has brought forward the deadline for clubs within these organizations to comply with club financial authorities from 1 June to 1 March. As a result, Palace, Irish League side Drogheda United and Slovakian team FC DAC 1904 received penalties and were all excluded from the Conference League.
The three clubs appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but UEFA’s position was upheld. “There was no mechanism for clubs to comply after the deadline,” the ruling said.
UEFA has now confirmed that the March 1 assessment date is the “deadline by which clubs must comply with the multi-club ownership standard” and that the CAS ruling sets out “strict deadlines for compliance”. He added: “It is considered necessary to provide clubs with clarity and predictability for next season, allowing them to prepare in advance.”
Rangers have established themselves as Europa League regulars in recent campaigns and have ambitions of reaching at least Europe’s second-tier competition once again next season.
Even if Danny Rohr’s side secure the title, the Light Blues still need to get through a difficult Champions League play-off round, although they are currently nine points behind leaders Hearts.
Scottish champions Celtic were eliminated in the play-off stages by Kairat Almaty this season and subsequently dropped to the Europa League, underscoring the risks faced by Premiership teams.
As it stands, Leeds are far removed from the European Premier League, sitting in 16th place in the table. But, like Palace last season, an improbable FA Cup win could pose new challenges for multi-club ownership.
49ers Enterprises retains controlling stakes in both Ibrox and Elland Road after buying Rangers with US businessman Andrew Kavenagh.
