UEFA Tightens Multi-Club Ownership Rules

UEFA has issued a strong warning: more clubs face removal from European competitions next season. The organization is strictly enforcing its multi-club ownership (MCO) regulations.

The governing body has circulated a reminder stating that March 1 is the final and absolute deadline for compliance. UEFA stressed there will be no extensions, exceptions, or loopholes.

This alert follows the demotion of Crystal Palace this season. Palace was moved from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League due to former co-owner John Textor’s influence at both the Premier League club and French club Lyon.

Integrity Concerns Prompt Strict Enforcement

UEFA rules prohibit two clubs with overlapping ownership from competing in the same European competition. If a conflict occurs, the club with the lower domestic finish must forfeit its place.

• Rule History: This rule was largely untested for years. However, UEFA intensified enforcement last season amid rising concerns that the spread of MCO threatened the integrity of its competitions.
• Sanctions: Moving the assessment date up to March 1 led to sanctions against three clubs last summer:
• Crystal Palace (England)
• Drogheda United (Ireland)
• FC DAC 1904 (Slovakia)

All three appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and lost.

CAS Confirms No Exceptions

CAS recently released its full ruling in the Palace case. It backed UEFA, confirming there is no mechanism for clubs to change ownership after the March 1 deadline.

Palace had argued that clubs like Nottingham Forest and Chelsea were given extra time to modify their structures. CAS dismissed this claim, confirming that UEFA’s regulations lack any provision for such exceptions.

Implications for High-Profile Groups

UEFA stated this communication ensures “clarity and predictability” for all clubs. Any club involved in an MCO structure must be fully compliant by March 1, or risk sanction.

This uncompromising stance has significant implications for high-profile groups. This includes the arrangement linking Manchester United and French club Nice under the INEOS umbrella.

UEFA signaled it will not hesitate to take action again next summer if clubs fail to meet the requirements in time.