CAS panel dismisses Drogheda’s appeal: A cautionary tale for multi-club investors
On 16 June 2025, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed an appeal brought by Irish club, Drogheda United FC (DUFC), against UEFA’s decision to exclude the club from the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League (Conference League)[1].
The case, resolved under an expedited procedure, offers further insight into UEFA’s multi-club ownership (MCO) rules and their strict enforcement by CAS.
While the reasoned decision is not published yet, the decision to dismiss the appeal underscores the importance of proactive compliance for legal teams advising clubs or investors operating multi-club structures.
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- Tags: Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) | Dispute Resolution | Football | Ireland | Multi-Club Ownership | Regulation | UEFA | UEFA Club Financial Control Body | UEFA Europa Conference League Regulations
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Written by
Mike McClure KC
Jake Savile-Tucker
Jake is a Senior Associate and Solicitor Advocate in the international arbitration practice at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Jake specialises in international arbitration and commercial litigation with a particular focus on sports, supply chain and, hospitality disputes. His practice comprises multi-jurisdictional work and has involved advising and representing clients in disputes under major arbitral rules (including the DIFC-LCIA, ICC, and SIAC Rules).
He was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2017 and is currently based in the London office, having also spent six months with the international arbitration group in Paris and on secondment to the Regulatory Litigation and Strategic Counselling team in British American Tobacco.
George Maxwell
George is an Associate in the international arbitration and public international law practice at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
George specialises in international arbitration, public international law and commercial litigation, with a focus on sports, consumer and energy disputes. His practice comprises multi-jurisdictional work and has involved advising and representing clients in disputes under major arbitral rules (including the LCIA and ICC).
He was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2025 and is currently based in the London office, having spent six months with the Global Disputes team at bp.
George studied PPE at Warwick University, graduating in 2021 with first class honours. He has also worked in India, Mongolia, France and Canada in a variety of sectors.
