Brighton and Hearts could both compete in this season's Conference League despite sharing owner Tony Bloom. The clubs have been deemed eligible by UEFA, with Bloom carefully structuring his ownership stakes to comply with multi-club regulations. Brighton faces Norwegian side Tromso while Hearts takes on Rapid Vienna in the final round of qualifying.

Bloom expanded his football portfolio after Brighton's success, acquiring stakes in Hearts and Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. When conflicts appeared possible, Bloom reduced his Union Saint-Gilloise stake to 29% - below UEFA's 30% threshold. He applied the same approach when buying into Hearts last year, purchasing exactly 29%.

UEFA also considers board composition and decision-making powers, which Brighton and Hearts passed. This contrasts with Crystal Palace's situation last season, where John Textor's 44.09% stake in Eagle Football Holdings and board seat at Palace triggered multi-club rules, resulting in demotion from the Europa League.

Bloom's strategic ownership structuring has allowed all three clubs to participate in European competition without conflict.