Drogheda United will not participate in the forthcoming Conference League after losing their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The League of Ireland club was notified by UEFA that they would be expelled from the competition due to European football’s governing body’s multi-club ownership rules. Drogheda were set to compete in the same UEFA competition as Danish club Silkeborg, who share the same majority owners, Trivela Group. UEFA rules forbid individuals from being involved with multiple clubs in the same competition, a regulation Drogheda has accused of being “inconsistently communicated and reinforced”. The club expressed their “great heartbreak and disbelief” at the decision from CAS, which was confirmed on Monday. Drogheda United's management had hoped and believed that the principles of fairness and common sense would prevail. After months of engagement, constructive dialogue, countless hours of legal preparation, and multiple proposals based on frameworks that have been accepted in the past, they have come up short. Despite genuine and vocal support across the football world, the ruling did not fall in their favour. Drogheda United is heartbroken by the outcome. The deadline to address any multi-club issues was on March 1. UEFA confirmed Drogheda have not been admitted to the Conference League because of multi-club ownership issues and that they have appealed to CAS, but they have declined to comment until the legal proceedings have concluded. Silkeborg would be admitted to the Conference League at the expense of Drogheda due to their higher league finish last season. Crystal Palace are facing a similar situation as John Textor’s Eagle Football possesses a 43 per cent stake in the south London club and an 88 per cent stake in Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. The official rules state that no club participating in a UEFA club competition may, either directly or indirectly, hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition. No one may simultaneously be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition. No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition. Drogheda United's expulsion from the Conference League is a significant blow to the club's European ambitions. The club will now focus on their domestic campaign, hoping to bounce back from this setback. Drogheda United's fans are disappointed but remain supportive of their team. The club's management will review the decision and explore possible options to appeal the ruling. The situation is complex, and the club will need to navigate the rules and regulations to find a solution. Drogheda United's future in European competitions remains uncertain, but the club is determined to find a way forward.