The Irish Cup winners had appealed UEFA’s decision to remove them from the competition after it was revealed that both Drogheda and Denmark’s Silkeborg IF are owned by the U.S.-based Trivela Group — a situation that contravenes UEFA’s integrity rules when one ownership group exerts “decisive influence” over multiple clubs entering the same competition.
CAS delivered an expedited ruling just one day before UEFA’s draws for the Conference League qualifying rounds. The court confirmed that Drogheda had been aware — or should have been aware — of the relevant regulations and deadlines, particularly a March 1 cutoff date by which any ownership-related concerns needed to be resolved.
UEFA prioritised Silkeborg’s participation in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, citing the Danish club’s superior league finish compared to Drogheda’s position in the Irish Premier Division last season.
In a heartfelt statement, Drogheda expressed “great heartbreak and disbelief” over the ruling and apologized to supporters. The club is set to forfeit at least €350,000 (approximately $406,000) in UEFA prize money — a major blow for a club of its size. “We believe it is unjust. Rules should protect opportunity, not prevent it,” the statement read. “Nevertheless, we accept responsibility. And we’re sorry.”
The case highlights UEFA’s ongoing enforcement of rules designed to safeguard competitive fairness in European competitions. In recent years, similar conflicts involving clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, AC Milan, Brighton, and Aston Villa have been resolved through structural adjustments, including the use of blind trusts and strict separation of operational control.
A separate case involving French club Lyon and English side Crystal Palace is also under UEFA review. Lyon’s American owner John Textor holds a 43% stake in Crystal Palace, but claims his involvement in the Premier League club is passive, with limited decision-making authority — a detail that could prove pivotal in UEFA’s final ruling.
While Drogheda United must now turn its focus back to domestic competition, the episode underscores the growing complexities of modern football ownership and the significant consequences when regulatory boundaries are crossed.