The competition in the English Premier League is heating up not only on the field, but also off it, as several clubs are engaged in a legal race with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to ensure they do not lose their continental seats.

The reason is due to the 'multi-club ownership' rules, which may lead to the exclusion of a team or its relegation to a lower competition, as previously happened with Crystal Palace. With the decision approaching, the crisis seems open to all possibilities.

The cases of Everton and Roma are among the most prominent files, as they are owned by the same investor, raising concerns about conflicts of interest if they qualify for the same tournament.

The English club confirms that it has taken measures to avoid the crisis, but having the same owner at the helm of both clubs puts it under strict scrutiny from UEFA, which emphasizes the need for decision-making independence within each club.

The situation is not much different for Chelsea, which is linked to Strasbourg, as recent times have seen significant administrative changes to try to comply with the laws, especially after the transfer of players and coaches between the two clubs. In contrast, Nottingham Forest resorted to the 'trust fund' solution to avoid a potential conflict with Olympiacos, but the question remains whether this solution will be accepted this time.

As for Brighton, it faces a complex scenario due to its owner's connections with other clubs in Belgium and Scotland, which could threaten its European participation even if it qualifies sports-wise.

In the end, the decision is in the hands of UEFA, which may redraw the map of continental participation, confirming that the battle for Europe is no longer decided only by goals, but also by legal documents.