“Toulouse’s Europa League Hopes in Jeopardy Due to Shareholder Conflict with AC Milan: What’s Next?”

Since Saturday evening, Toulouse has seen life in pink. 66 years after his last coronation, Toulouse won the Coupe de France against Nantes in a final dominated from A to Z (5-1). But in this perfect drawing, a shadow on the board hovers. Indeed, Philippe Montanier’s men could be deprived of the Europa League next season because of its shareholder, RedBird Capital Partner, which is also that of AC Milan.

Outside the UEFA regulations are clear: it is impossible for two clubs belonging to the same shareholder to compete in the same competition. And even if the Toulousans participate in the Europa League, AC Milan, currently fourth in Serie A, could also play it if they do not qualify for the Champions League or if they are transferred to the Europa League by finishing third. of his group. The team that would participate in the European Cup would therefore be the one with the best ranking in the UEFA index.

However, the president of Toulouse, Damien Comolli could draw inspiration from Salzburg and Leipzig. Owned by the same owner (the Red Bull group), the two clubs had managed to participate in the Champions League, thanks to administrative changes. Asked about this after the victory of his team, Philippe Montanier kicked in touch: “It is a question for the president. I only take care of the ground and I have a lot of trouble taking care of it. We will savor this trophy, and we will see the consequences behind it. We start from an assumption that is not verified. We’ll see then. »

Damien Comolli is confident

For his part, Damien Comolli was rather confident about the European future of his club and assured that he was “personally committed to the fact that the club will be in the European Cup next year”. “If I tell you that we have already prepared everything for the European Cup, will you take me for a fool? We looked at how much it was going to bring us, not much in fact, but it’s better than a kick in the buttocks, ”he assured in particular.

The 50-year-old also assured that he was in good standing with the French Football Federation: “We sent all the documents to the French Football Federation to obtain the UEFA club license. We also had discussions with the FFF and they told us that we had absolutely all the prerequisites. Afterwards, if UEFA has any questions for us, we will of course be at their disposal”.

In the event that Toulouse could not participate in the Europa League, this place would not go to the unfortunate finalist of the Coupe de France, Nantes, but indeed to fifth in Ligue 1. Sixth place would then qualify for the Europa League. Conference. A situation that would suit Rennes and Olympique Lyonnais well …