Leeds United and Rangers fans have caused a bit of panic within their fanbases after an incident this week. UEFA is set to make a decision on a Premier League club’s participation in Europe next season.
This week, UEFA are assessing Crystal Palace’s European qualification. The Eagles won the FA Cup last month, and were expected to participate in the Europa League. But according to the rules, the governing body needs to review their next step. Palace are owned by shareholders John Textor and David Blitzer.
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Both of them also hold majority shares in Lyon and Brondby, who are both in UEFA competitions next season. 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’.
And thus, a decision of the Eagles’ participation in Europe next season is set to be reviewed.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United sold these players to?
Club chief addresses concerns of Leeds United fans
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This has raised some alarms in Leeds United and Rangers. Both clubs now share an ownership figure in Paraag Marathe. And Marathe’s future activity managing both clubs could come under the microscope.
With the noise surrounding the pending Crystal Palace decision by UEFA, Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has come out to address any concerns:
“I think firstly that this isn’t a multi-club ownership model. It just simply isn’t.” he said to the Daily Record.
“There is no common parent club. There is a limited amount of overlap.
“Paraag Marathe is the chairman of Leeds and the vice-chair of Rangers.
“We have a couple of other individuals that have interests or roles in both clubs. There’s commonality, but there’s not any control from one club to the other.
“I see it as there could be opportunities, but the directors of Rangers are always going to operate in the best interests of Rangers.
“The Scottish FA is part of that process. They made it very clear, for example – which we are grateful for – that Rangers’ participation in UEFA competitions cannot be harmed by any of this overlap.”
Leeds and Rangers do not need to worry about sanctions soon.
It does not look like Leeds will face future sanctions…yet
As it stands, the 49ers are not in a multi club ownership. They just have investments in two teams. What their plans for the near future hold are unknown at the moment. But seeing the great job they have done at Elland Road, they will be aiming to make Rangers relevant again in Scottish football.
If they do announce any plans to move towards multi-club ownership, then there will be conflict of interest which could lead to serious repercussions.
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