In a stunning twist that could derail the start of Arne Slot's Anfield reign, Liverpool are facing the shocking prospect of being barred from the Champions League.
The potential ban stems from a complex UEFA rule regarding multi-club ownership, a situation that has suddenly become a serious threat to the Reds' place in Europe's elite competition.
The Ownership Dilemma
The heart of the issue lies with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's American owners. Their recent expansion into a multi-club model has created an unforeseen regulatory headache.
FSG completed a takeover of French Ligue 1 side FC Toulouse in 2020. The problem? Toulouse also qualified for European football, securing a spot in the Europa League after a impressive 13th-place finish. UEFA's strict rules prohibit two clubs under the same ownership from competing in their tournaments simultaneously to protect the integrity of the competition.
UEFA's Strict Stance & The Precedent
Article 5 of UEFA's regulations is clear and has been enforced before. Both Red Bull-owned RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, as well as the clubs under the City Football Group umbrella, have faced intense scrutiny to prove they are run as entirely separate entities.
To gain approval, clubs must demonstrate complete independence in key operational areas, including:
- Separate and distinct management structures
- No shared technical or coaching staff
- No joint player scouting or transfer activity
- Absolutely no control or influence from the parent company over on-pitch matters
The Road to a Possible Exemption
There is a pathway for Liverpool and Toulouse to both compete, but it is narrow and fraught with conditions. FSG must now embark on a meticulous process to convince UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) that the two clubs are wholly independent.
This will involve submitting vast amounts of documentation and evidence to prove a complete separation of power, governance, and sporting operations. Failure to satisfy the regulators will result in one club being barred. Crucially, as Liverpool finished higher in their domestic league, it is Toulouse who would likely be demoted, leaving Liverpool's Champions League place secure but the group's European footprint reduced.
The football world now watches and waits as one of the game's newest managerial appointments faces a off-pitch challenge before a ball has even been kicked.
