Drogheda United will not participate in the Conference League qualification due to UEFA rules preventing two clubs with the the same owner from competing in the same tournament. The Irish club, owned by the Trivela Group, shares ownership with Silkeborg IF, which also qualified for the Conference League.

Drogheda United announced on its website that UEFA informed the club of its ineligibility. The club expressed deep disappointment and plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The club stated that they perceive inconsistent application of the rules, considering the recent changes. Drogheda United argues the decision is unfair, given the circumstances.

Trivela Group acquired a majority stake in Silkeborg last year for approximately DKK 162 million. Drogheda United claims to have collaborated with UEFA to find a resolution but were unsuccessful.

Silkeborg secured its Conference League qualification by finishing seventh in the Superliga and winning the Superliga’s Europa Playoff. Drogheda United earned its spot by winning the Irish Cup. UEFA rules stipulate that the team with the higher domestic league ranking receives the spot when two clubs with the same owner qualify for the same European tournament.

Because the Irish league follows a calendar year, UEFA likely considered Drogheda United’s ninth-place finish in the 2024 season. This is lower than Silkeborg’s Superliga ranking.