Everton insist the club have taken the necessary steps to ensure both they and Roma could play in the same European competition

Could a Premier League Club Lose Its European Place Again?

As the race for European qualification intensifies in the Premier League, several clubs are also battling off the pitch to satisfy UEFA multi-club ownership regulations.

Those rules are designed to protect sporting integrity and prevent clubs under the same ownership structure from competing in the same European competition. Failure to comply could lead to demotion to a lower tournament or exclusion altogether — as happened to Crystal Palace, who were moved from the Europa League to the Conference League last season.

With half of the Premier League now linked to multi-club models, clubs including Everton, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have been working urgently to meet UEFA’s 1 March compliance deadline.

What Are UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Rules?

UEFA states that two closely connected clubs should not play in the same competition if there is significant shared ownership, voting control, or “decisive influence” over sporting decisions.

If a conflict is identified, priority is usually given to:

The club already in the higher-ranked competition
Higher domestic league finish
UEFA coefficient ranking of the national league

Everton and Roma

Everton and AS Roma are both owned by the Friedkin Group.

If both clubs qualify for the UEFA Europa League, UEFA may examine whether owner Dan Friedkin’s influence across both teams breaches regulations. Everton remain confident they have a compliant solution in place.

Chelsea and Strasbourg

Chelsea and RC Strasbourg Alsace are part of the BlueCo group.

The relationship has drawn attention due to coaching changes and multiple player moves between the clubs. Board-level resignations were made in February in an attempt to separate governance structures.

If both sides reach the same UEFA competition, it would become one of the biggest tests yet of UEFA’s ownership rules.

Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos

Evangelos Marinakis is no longer registered as a person of significant control at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly used a blind trust arrangement again this season to avoid a conflict with Olympiakos.

Forest believe ownership control was transferred before the deadline, though UEFA must decide whether the timing and structure meet regulations.

Brighton, Hearts and Union Saint-Gilloise

Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom also has stakes in Heart of Midlothian and Union Saint-Gilloise.

His holdings were structured below the usual 30% threshold, but if all three qualify for overlapping UEFA competitions, scrutiny could still follow.

Leeds and Rangers

Leeds United had explored solutions regarding links to Rangers through 49ers Enterprises before their FA Cup semi-final exit ended European qualification hopes.

Could Another Premier League Club Be Punished?

Yes — UEFA has shown a tougher stance in recent seasons, enforcing deadlines and rejecting appeals. Clubs with shared ownership models may still face decisions after qualification is confirmed.

With European places on the line, success on the pitch may not be enough unless paperwork is equally strong off it.