Rangers risk of European expulsion rises as controversial ruling to back UEFA puts 49ers on alert
The multi-club ownership model is facing major scurrility in European football’s corridors of power
13:46, 10 Dec 2025
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Clubs working under a multi-club ownership model face the possibility of being kicked out of Europe next season after UEFA’s hardline stance was backed. Rangers and Leeds United fall into the category following the summer US takeover at Ibrox.
After winning the FA Cup last season, Crystal Palace were controversially demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League this term. European football’s governing body decided that former Eagles co-owner John Textor had “decisive influence” in both the Premier League side and Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
Both club had qualified for the Europa League. However, the club which finishes lower in their domestic league must lose their place if there is a conflict.
UEFA moved up the deadline of compliance with the Club Financial Control Body for clubs within the structures from June 1 to March 1. This saw Palace punished alongside League of Ireland side Drogheda United and Slovak team FC DAC 1904 – who dropped out of the Conference League.
The three clubs took the row to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – but UEFA were backed. The judgement stated “there was no mechanism for clubs to become compliant after the deadline”.
UEFA has now reaffirmed that the March 1 assessment date “is the deadline by which clubs must comply with the multi-club ownership criteria” and that the CAS ruling was binding for “a strict deadline for compliance”. They added it is “deemed necessary to provide clarity and predictability to clubs ahead of next season and to enable them to prepare ahead of time”.
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Rangers have become regulars in the Europa League in recent seasons and will have aspirations of reaching at least Europe’s second tier competition again next season. Should Danny Rohl’s side land the title – with the Light Blues currently nine points off leaders Hearts – they would still have to navigate the tricky Champions League playoff rounds.
Scottish champions Celtic were knocked out at the playoff round this season by Kairat Almaty and dropped into the Europa League – showing the jeopardy facing Premiership clubs.
As it stands, Leeds are a long way from the Premier League’s European spots – sitting in 16th spot in the table. However, an unlikely FA Cup win – similar to Palace last term – could throw up another multi-club ownership headache.
49ers Enterprises have control at both Ibrox and Elland Road after the takeover of Rangers alongside US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.
Manchester United and Nice – who both have aspirations of making the Champions League – could similarly be impacted.
