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.