Drogheda United are in discussions with UEFA over their Conference League participation after Danish side Silkeborg IF, who have the same owners as the Louth club, also qualified for the third-tier European competition on Sunday.
Silkeborg IF beat Randers FC 3-1 in the Danish Superliga to secure a place in the Conference League qualifiers.
Last November, the Drogs earned their spot in the qualifiers stage after they beat Derry City to win the FAI Cup.
A month after that memorable triumph, the US-based Trivela Group secured a majority share of Silkeborg IF. They also own English League Two outfit Walsall.
UEFA's regulations regarding multi-club ownership and participation state that: "No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition, such control or influence being defined in this context as:
- Holding a majority of the shareholders' voting rights;
- Having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the club;
- Being a shareholder and alone controlling a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with other shareholders of the club; or
- Being able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision-making of the club."
UEFA's rules state that in this situation the place would go to "the club which was ranked highest in the domestic championship giving access to the relevant UEFA club competition" or "the club whose association is ranked highest in the access list".
Silkeborg's seventh-placed finish in the Danish league would outweigh Drogheda's ninth-place finish in last season’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
Cup runners-up Derry City, who finished fourth in the Premier Division, would be first in line to take the Drogs' place if they are not allowed to compete.
However, clubs have found ways around the regulations in recent years: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Greek club Olympiacos, recently placed his shares in a blind trust for next season, while Manchester United co-owners INEOS did the same with Nice while they both competed in the Europa League in 2024/25.
A Drogheda United statement released on Sunday night read: "Drogheda United Football Club can confirm that it has been engaged in ongoing discussions with UEFA in recent months regarding a regulatory matter that has now arisen following Silkeborg IF's qualification for the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
"As supporters will know, Silkeborg IF is also part of the Trivela Group ownership structure, which includes Drogheda United.
"UEFA’s regulations regarding multi-club ownership and participation in UEFA Club Competitions require careful consideration, and the club has been working proactively with the relevant authorities.
"At this time, due to the confidential and ongoing nature of the process, Drogheda United is unable to provide further comment. However, the club remains committed to transparency and will provide updates as soon as there are any significant developments to share.
"We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our fans, partners, and wider community."
