
Drogs must act fast to resolve Conference League conflict
Trivela's ownership of Drogheda United may have to be divested to prevent the FAI Cup holders losing their place in the Europa Conference League draw on June 13.
Uefa rules debar clubs with the same owners facing each other in competition for sporting integrity purposes.
An obstacle has arisen for Drogs due to Silkeborg IF qualifying from the Danish league for the same competition over the weekend.
American investors Trivela possess both clubs within their multi-club stable – Drogheda's on a full 100% stake and their latest purchase, Silkeborg, with an 80% shareholding.
A statement released by the Louth club on Sunday night offered no assurance of Drogs' first foray into Europe for 12 years proceeding, other than citing ongoing discussions with Uefa.
Those talks will centre on the degree of control Trivela carry over each entity. English FA Cup winners Crystal Palace are also deadlocked in negotiations with the governing body due to a potential conflict with Lyon's entrance to the Europa League.
American John Textor has stakes in each both Palace argue his minority 25% shareholding doesn't accord him stewardship of decision-making. He owns 41% of Lyon.
Drogs must act fast to resolve the blockers because in such conflicts, precedence is given to the club which finishes highest in the league. Drogs qualified through the Cup, Silkeborg the league.
FAI Cup runners-up Derry City are ineligible to replace Drogs as, according to the Derry Journal, they didn't apply for a Uefa licence.
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