Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has lessened his control over the club as part of a strategic move to prepare for Champions League qualification. This decision comes in response to Uefa's strict regulations regarding multi-club ownership models.
Marinakis, a Greek businessman, not only owns Nottingham Forest but also controls the Greek team Olympiakos and Portuguese side Rio Ave. Both Forest and Olympiakos are on track to qualify for next season's Champions League. However, this would violate Uefa's rules that prohibit clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition.
Documents filed at Companies House reveal that Marinakis is no longer a "person with significant control" of NF Football Investments Limited - the entity that owns Nottingham Forest. Despite placing his shares in a blind trust, sources confirm he remains committed as the club's owner. These changes are among several adjustments made with Companies House due to Uefa’s regulations. The aim is to ensure that the ownership model aligns with Uefa’s rules and allows Forest to compete without contravening any guidelines.
Deadline compliance and board changes
The changes had to be completed by April end - an obligation which Nottingham Forest has fulfilled successfully. With Marinakis stepping back from direct control, Sokratis Kominakis returns as co-owner on the club’s board.
Currently standing sixth in Premier League table – level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea who hold final Champions League qualification spot – Nottingham forest also have an advantage of one game over Chelsea.
Meanwhile Olympiakos leads Greece’s top flight league and looks set for their own Champions league qualification journey.
Precedents set by City Football Group
This isn't an unprecedented move; Manchester City and Girona were allowed participation in this season's Champions League after making changes to control arrangements at the Spanish club. Both clubs are owned by City Football Group.
In other news, former Arsenal sporting director Edu is expected to take on a new global role within Marinakis' multi-club model in the coming weeks. After leaving Emirates Stadium last November, Edu has been working informally since his departure from Arsenal. The formal appointment process is ongoing and an official announcement is anticipated later this summer.
This strategic move by Marinakis demonstrates a commitment to ensuring Nottingham Forest’s compliance with Uefa rules while maintaining their competitive edge in European football.
