Archive · 17 Jun 2025
Drogheda United Excluded From Conference League Due to Ownership Rules
Imagine a soccer club, Drogheda United, qualified for a big European tournament.
However, the company that owns them also owns another team, and UEFA has rules about this.
Because of the rules, Drogheda can't play in the tournament.
They tried to appeal this decision, but they lost.
The other team, Silkeborg, gets to play instead.
Drogheda is sad because they think the rules aren't fair and were communicated badly, but they also said sorry.
Drogheda United was excluded from the Conference League due to non-compliance with UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Drogheda United's appeal against the exclusion.
Drogheda United is owned by Trivela Group, which also owns a majority stake in Danish club Silkeborg.
UEFA determined that Silkeborg, the higher-ranked team, would remain in the competition.
Drogheda United expressed disappointment, citing inconsistent communication and enforcement of rule changes.
- Who
- Drogheda United, Trivela Group, Silkeborg, UEFA, and CAS
- What
- Drogheda United was excluded from the Conference League.
- When
- Last week (when Drogheda was notified of their removal); June 17, 2025 (last updated)
- Where
- The Conference League, Court of Arbitration for Sport
- Why
- Drogheda United did not comply with UEFA's multi-club ownership regulations.
Drogheda United
UEFA/CAS
Fairness and Consistency
Drogheda United
The club should have been allowed to participate, or the rules were not consistently applied.
UEFA/CAS
UEFA has correctly applied its rules, and the club should have been aware of them.
- Club Excluded
- Drogheda United
- Reason for Exclusion
- Non-compliance with multi-club ownership rules
- Owner of Drogheda United
- Trivela Group
- Also Owns
- Silkeborg
- Competition
- Conference League
- Ruling Body
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)