Days before the UEFA Conference League draw, Drogheda United faces uncertainty as they are not allowed to participate in Europe this season due to multi-club ownership ties. The issue revolves around ownership links with Walsall in England and Silkeborg IF in Denmark, leading to UEFA regulations preventing them from competing in the same European competition.

While this isn't a new problem, recent cases like Crystal Palace and Drogheda bring it back into focus. Despite mechanisms like loopholes and corporate strategies to navigate these rules, smaller clubs like Drogheda find themselves at a disadvantage.

Winning the FAI Cup last year, Drogheda had earned their place in Europe, showcasing progress and professionalism under Trivela's ownership. However, the failure to address ownership restructuring under new rules by the rumored March deadline has put their European dreams in jeopardy.

This administrative oversight not only impacts their European aspirations but could also have repercussions on club licensing and future revenues. The situation highlights a broader debate on multi-club ownership and UEFA's rule enforcement.

Regardless of the outcome, Drogheda's case serves as a cautionary tale of ownership bureaucracy overshadowing on-pitch achievements. The club's exclusion raises questions about the consistency of UEFA's regulations and the treatment of smaller clubs compared to larger entities.