Two Premier League clubs Brighton and Aston Villa have been cleared by UEFA to compete in Europe in the coming season after ‘significant changes’ were made to comply with multi-club ownership rules.
However, the Premier League sides have been banned from any transfer business with their feeder clubs for the next season, as they are set to compete in the same European competitions.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom was also a majority shareholder in Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and both clubs have qualified for this season’s Europa League.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens held a large stake in Vitoria de Guimaraes, a Portuguese Primeira Liga side, and both clubs have qualified for this season’s Europa Conference League.
UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) had opened proceedings against the clubs due to a potential conflict with the multi-club ownership rule, but UEFA have now said the CFCB has accepted the clubs’ admission to European competition.
But until September 2024 they are banned from transferring or loaning players between each other.
They also have been banned from sharing scouting networks or players databases, and are not allowed to collaborate on technical or commercial agreements.