UEFA bans multi‑ownership in women's Champions League

UEFA has announced that clubs sharing the same owner or investment group will not be allowed to compete in the women's Champions League. The decision comes ahead of the competition's final and applies to all European clubs. The rule states that if two clubs belong to the same owner or investor group, they cannot both take part in the same European competition. This applies specifically to the women's tournament. Nadine Kessler, UEFA's director of women's football, confirmed that the federation will not grant any exceptions to the multi‑ownership rule. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field. The clarification follows media attention on Michele Kang, who owns multiple clubs, raising questions about eligibility under the new policy. UEFA's stance directly addresses those concerns. Should two clubs under the same ownership qualify for the Champions League, one of them will be barred from participation. The rule ensures that no single investor can influence the competition through multiple teams. The announcement arrives just before the final, signalling strict enforcement for the remainder of the season. UEFA will monitor compliance closely. Looking ahead, UEFA plans to apply the same principle in future editions of the women's Champions League, reinforcing its commitment to fair competition across Europe.