Nottingham Forest move to comply with UEFA multi-club rules during Europa League bid | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Nottingham Forest have taken steps to remain compliant with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules amid their Europa League progress. Owner Evangelos Marinakis also controls Olympiacos, who could reach the Champions League depending on their Super League title challenge.

Forest would also reach the Champions League if they win in Istanbul in May, although that remains a distant prospect as Vitor Pereira’s side prepare for a last 16 tie with Midtjylland. Forest must be prepared to avoid falling foul of the regulations, as Premier League rivals Crystal Palace were this season, which led to Forest being promoted into the Europa League.

Last season Marinakis placed his shares in a blind trust, which meant he could not influence day-to-day operations. Similar measures have been taken, with Companies House recording the temporary removal of Mighael Dugher, Simon Forster and Jonathan Owen from the board. UEFA rules required any such changes before the end of the month.

Forest earned their place in the last 16 by beating Fenerbahce 4-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 home defeat last Thursday.

Midtjylland visit the City Ground on 12 March, the Danes won 3-2 there in October, before the return in Scandinavia on 19 March. If they advance, Forest would meet Porto or Stuttgart in the quarter-final, with Roma and Aston Villa possible semi-final opponents.

The odds of lifting the trophy on 20 May are slim, given a relegation fight and a fourth manager this season, but acting now is the logical safeguard. If both Forest and Olympiacos reach the same competition, Marinakis would have to pause his involvement in one club next season.

Source: NY Times