The Daily Star Ireland
Drogheda United have announced they will not be permitted to take part in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. The decision follows confirmation that both Drogheda United and Silkeborg IF, a Danish club, are owned by the same investment entity, the Trivela Group, and have each qualified for the competition.
While Drogheda earned their place by winning the 2024 FAI Cup, Silkeborg secured entry through their league position in the Danish Superliga. Under current UEFA rules, two clubs with the same controlling ownership cannot compete in the same European tournament. In such cases, preference is given to the club with the higher UEFA coefficient or stronger league standing. As a result, Silkeborg retain their spot, while Drogheda United have been excluded.
This ruling represents a significant setback for Drogheda United, who now face the loss of potential prize revenue exceeding €500,000. UEFA licensing rules prevent another Premier Division club from replacing them, as registration deadlines have passed.
Club Statement and Legal Challenge to UEFA Decision
In response to UEFA’s decision, Drogheda United released a public statement expressing disappointment and outlining their efforts to resolve the situation in advance. The club claimed they had spent several months actively engaging with UEFA to address governance issues and restructure their ownership arrangements in line with recent precedent set by the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB).
According to the statement, Drogheda proposed several solutions, including share divestment and trust mechanisms, which had reportedly been used in similar circumstances by clubs in other European leagues. Despite these submissions, UEFA declined the proposed changes. The club also criticized the implementation of new ownership-related policies, claiming that the revised rules had been inconsistently applied and poorly communicated.
Drogheda United has now escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking an urgent resolution that would allow them to participate in the competition. While they are currently limited in what they can disclose due to the ongoing legal proceedings, club officials reiterated their commitment to representing their players, supporters, and local community on the European stage.
The case highlights growing tensions in European football surrounding multi-club ownership structures, which are becoming increasingly common due to rising investment from international holding groups. It also raises questions about the clarity and enforcement of UEFA’s rules amid shifting legal and financial frameworks across the continent.
