The Friedkin Group could eventually face a significant regulatory challenge if Roma and Everton qualify for the same UEFA competition.
Both clubs have made considerable progress under the American ownership group. However, their European ambitions could create complications because of UEFA’s rules governing clubs controlled or influenced by the same owner.
UEFA rules could affect Roma and Everton
UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations are designed to protect the integrity of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Under Article 5, no individual or legal entity may exercise control or decisive influence over more than one club participating in the same UEFA competition. Clubs must demonstrate compliance by the assessment deadline, which UEFA has confirmed as March 1 preceding the relevant competition season.
The Friedkin Group owns both Roma and Everton, while Dan Friedkin holds senior positions at both clubs. That connection could come under scrutiny if the two teams qualify for the same European tournament.
If two associated clubs fail UEFA’s criteria, priority is not determined solely by which team finishes lower in its domestic league. UEFA first considers which club qualified for the more prestigious competition, followed by domestic finishing position and then the ranking of the relevant national association.
Depending on the circumstances and available access places, the other club may be moved into a lower UEFA competition.
Report questions proposed “structural solution”
The Friedkins were previously reported to be confident that they had identified a “structural solution” that would allow both Roma and Everton to satisfy UEFA’s decisive-influence test.
However, according to The Times, a formal blind-trust structure has not currently been established. The precise nature of the Friedkins’ proposed solution therefore remains unclear.
One potential route would involve placing one club under the control of independent trustees or lawyers for the relevant season, removing the common owner’s ability to influence sporting and administrative decisions.
Similar arrangements have previously been accepted by UEFA. Girona, for example, was placed into an independent trust when its connection to Manchester City’s ownership group created potential concerns.
Reports in England suggest Everton could be the club placed under independent administration if a conflict emerged, although no final arrangement has been publicly confirmed.
A future issue rather than an immediate crisis
Roma and Everton participating in European football during the same season would not automatically constitute a breach. The principal issue would arise if UEFA determined that the Friedkin Group continued to exercise decisive influence over both clubs while they entered the same competition.
The matter would then be assessed by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body using the circumstances in place at the March 1 deadline.
For now, the situation remains hypothetical. Nevertheless, the progress of both clubs means the Friedkins may eventually need to provide greater clarity regarding the separation of Roma and Everton’s governance.
Source: The Times
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