Leeds United fans had some genuine concerns about UEFA’s ruling on Crystal Palace’s European qualification last season. The Premier League side won the FA cup, paving their path to Europe.
Palace are owned by shareholders John Textor and David Blitzer, and they own shares in Lyon and Brondby. All three clubs are scheduled to feature in UEFA competitions next season. Which has raised concerns by the governing body. UEFA are in the process of , UEFA are assessing Crystal Palace’s European qualification.
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Textor has just sold 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace, in a bid to prevent any possible sanctions.
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Leeds United chairman addresses Rangers takeover
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Paraag and the 49ers recently completed the takeover of Scottish side Rangers this year. And after the issue with Palace, some of the Scottish club’s fans have concerns. According to UEFA rules, no individual is permitted to ‘simultaneously be involved in any capacity’ for ‘more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition’.
So in the future, if Leeds make Europe at the same time as Rangers, there could be problems. Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart addressed the concerns, and now Paraag Marathe has made reassurances:
“We have checked the box with those that we need to to make sure that if and when there is ever even a situation when there is a perception of a conflict, we would solve that,” he said. “That has already been solved, so we’re good there.”
Meanwhile, Marathe has dismissed suggestions that Rangers could become a feeder club for Leeds in future and has predicted they will both benefit from sharing knowledge and expertise going forward.
“It would be a disservice to Leeds and Rangers to consider one a feeder club to the other,” he said. “Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care. We will designate and assign resources approximately.
49ers have European ambition
Making this kind of statement proves one thing; the 49ers want Leeds to make Europe in the future. Their ambition has reflected in each season so far. Every step they have taken from funding to investments has been ultimately to bring the club back to the Premier League.
And now, the ownership have their eye on a long-term future among England’s top flight.
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