Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy fears 'abuse' of multi-club ownership | OneFootball

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Man City have wide-reaching networks across the continent and beyond

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

The Eagles, whose FA Cup victory earned their place in the Europa League, were instead demoted to the Conference League by European football's governing body UEFA on July 11 after it determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence at Palace and French club Lyon. UEFA rules state that one or more clubs deemed to have common ownership cannot play in the same competition, with Lyon edging out Palace for the sole Europa League place because of their comparatively higher league finish last season.

Textor has since sold his stakes in the south London club, but the Eagles still face a hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on August 8 before they learn the verdict on their European fate on August 11.

Daniel Levy speaking to Gary Neville on 'The Overlap'

The Overlap/YouTube

Discussing his views on multi-club ownership in an interview with Gary Neville for The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, Levy said the issue is a “very important” one when it comes to the sustainability of today’s game.

Pressed by Neville if he was against multi-club ownership, the Spurs chief said: “I think they have to be very careful.

“I think the idea that one club is involved with lots of different clubs, with the money involved today, I think it has to be controlled carefully.”

Explaining that such schemes could be used to “abuse” football’s financial control measures, Levy continued: “It worries me a little bit because there’s so much money in the game now, and you only need one owner to do something inappropriate and it would impact the whole confidence from sponsors and broadcasters in the European game.

“So, I think it needs very tight control.”

The current transfer window has seen more activity at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium than fans have been accustomed to in years past, with the likes of Mohammed Kudus and now Joao Palhinha following new manager Thomas Frank through the door as the Lilywhites prepare to return to Champions League football courtesy of their Europa League victory despite finishing 17th in the league last season.

Asked if he feels he gets enough credit for what he can control at the club, Levy replied: “When I’m not here, I’m sure I’ll get the credit.”