Governing Body Reaffirms Strict March 1 Deadline Amid CAS Ruling Backing No Exceptions, Targeting Integrity Threats from Rising Multi-Club Models.

UEFA

UEFA has issued a stark warning that additional clubs risk expulsion from 2026/27 European competitions if they fail to comply with multi-club ownership regulations, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy in a Monday circular to all member associations, as reported by BBC Sport.

Renewed Alert Follows Crystal Palace Demotion

The reminder emphasizes March 1, 2026, as the “absolute” assessment date for ownership restructuring, with “no extensions, exceptions, or loopholes” permitted. This follows Crystal Palace‘s controversial drop from the Europa League to the Conference League in 2025/26, triggered by co-owner John Textor‘s ties to Lyon via Eagle Football Holdings.

UEFA‘s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) enforced the rule (Article 5 of competition regulations) last summer, demoting or excluding three clubs: Palace, Irish side Drogheda United, and Slovak outfit FC DAC 1904. All appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and lost, with CAS‘s recent full ruling in Palace‘s case affirming no post-deadline adjustments are allowable.

Integrity Drive: From Untested Rule to Tough Enforcement

The prohibition bars clubs under “decisive influence” from the same entity competing in the same tournament, with the lower-ranked side forfeiting its spot. Long dormant, enforcement intensified in 2024/25 amid multi-club proliferation (e.g., City Football Group, Red Bull), shifting the compliance deadline from June 1 to March 1 to curb “integrity threats.”

Palace argued preferential treatment for Nottingham Forest (Evangelos Marinakis diluted Olympiakos stake) and Chelsea (BlueCo issued Strasbourg shares), but CAS ruled no such provisions exist, as those cases weren’t tested (clubs avoided same-competition conflicts).

Implications for High-Profile Groups

UEFA‘s circular ensures “clarity and predictability,” signaling swift action next summer. Eyes turn to INEOS (Manchester United and Nice), City Football Group (Man City and Girona, who used a blind trust last season), and others like Red Bull Salzburg/Leipzig. Non-compliant clubs face demotion or exclusion, potentially reshaping qualification paths.

As multi-club models expand, offering talent pipelines but raising collusion fears, UEFA‘s firm line prioritizes fair play, though critics decry rigidity. With 2025/26 draws looming, March 1 looms large for Europe’s elite.