Rangers risk being kicked out of Europe as UEFA ruling puts owners on alert
Rangers are competing in the Europa League this season (Image: Ian MacNicol, Getty Images)
Clubs operating under a multi-club ownership model could face expulsion from European competitions next season, following UEFA’s firm stance. Rangers and Leeds United are among those affected due to the US takeover at Ibrox last summer. Crystal Palace, despite their FA Cup victory last season, were controversially relegated from the Europa League to the Conference League this term.
UEFA determined that former Eagles co-owner John Textor had a “decisive influence” over both the Premier League team and Ligue 1 club Lyon. Both clubs had secured spots in the Europa League. However, if there is a conflict, the club finishing lower in their domestic league must forfeit their place.
UEFA brought forward the compliance deadline with the Club Financial Control Body for clubs within these structures from 1 June to 1 March. This resulted in penalties for Palace, along with League of Ireland side Drogheda United and Slovak team FC DAC 1904 – all of whom were removed from the Conference League.
The three clubs took their dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – but UEFA’s position was upheld. The judgement stated “there was no mechanism for clubs to become compliant after the deadline”.
UEFA have now confirmed that the March 1 assessment date “is the deadline by which clubs must comply with the multi-club ownership criteria” and that the CAS ruling established “a strict deadline for compliance”. They added it is “deemed necessary to provide clarity and predictability to clubs ahead of next season and to enable them to prepare ahead of time”.
Rangers have established themselves as Europa League regulars in recent campaigns and harbour ambitions of reaching at least Europe’s second-tier competition once more next season.
Should Danny Rohl’s outfit secure the title – with the Light Blues presently nine points adrift of leaders Hearts – they would still need to overcome the challenging Champions League playoff rounds.
Scottish champions Celtic were eliminated at the playoff stage this season by Kairat Almaty and subsequently dropped into the Europa League – highlighting the risks facing Premiership sides.
As things stand, Leeds are considerably distant from the Premier League’s European places – languishing in 16th position in the table. However, an improbable FA Cup triumph – akin to Palace last term – could create another multi-club ownership conundrum.
49ers Enterprises hold control at both Ibrox and Elland Road following the takeover of Rangers alongside US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.