Hearts shock as Uefa ‘launch investigation into Jambos’ European participation’ days after they clinch qualification

HEARTS claim their Euro adventure WON’T be wrecked by Tony Bloom’s multi-club involvement.

The Jambos face three rounds of Champions League qualifiers this summer after finishing as runners-up to Celtic in the Premiership.

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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes during a Heart of Midlothian press conference at Tynecastle Park Credit: SNS

Andrew McKinlay and Tony Bloom Credit: Alamy

Uefa are investigating a potential conflict of interest, with Brighton and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise also poised to play in Europe next season.

But the Jambos claim the governing body has already told Bloom, who owns almost 30 per cent of the Gorgie club, they won’t face any problems.

A club spokesman said: “We note the press relating to the possibility of Hearts and Brighton qualifying for the same Uefa competition.

“Prior to his investment in Hearts, Tony and his legal advisors met with senior Uefa officials to ensure that his investment in Hearts would not create an issue in relation to Uefa’s  multi-club ownership rules.

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“Tony’s investment in Hearts and the restrictions on his personal involvement with the club have been carefully considered and structured to ensure total compliance with Uefa’s rules.

“We can confirm that Uefa has given assurances to Tony that his involvement at Hearts does not create an issue.”

Hearts will enter the Champions League qualifiers in July, where Union — currently second in the Belgian League — are also expected to enter.

The Jambos are set to face Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos or Fenerbahce in the second qualifying round for non-champions.

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If they lose, they would drop into the Europa League — where Bloom’s Brighton will be if they hold on to their seventh position on the final day of the Premier League this Sunday.

Union St-Gilloise are heading back into Europe Credit: AFP

Crystal Palace were punished due to John Textor’s influence Credit: Getty

Uefa rules state no individual can exercise ‘decisive influence’ in the decision making of more than one club competing in European competition.

But Bloom’s stakes in the capital outfit and at USG are deliberately below the 30 per cent threshold the game’s governing body prohibits owners from holding in multiple clubs.

And the Jambos revealed Bloom has already met extensively with Uefa to ensure there is no conflict with any of the clubs he is involved in.

Crystal Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League this season.

The decision stemmed from Palace breaching multi-club ownership rules as American businessman John Textor owned a stake in the Eagles as well as being majority owner of French club Lyon, who had also qualified for the Europa League.

Palace argued Textor did not hold any decisive influence at the club but Uefa did not accept their defence.

Palace have gone all the way to the Conference League final and will meet Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig next Wednesday night.

Nottingham Forest replaced them in the Europa League and reached the semi-finals before losing an all- English clash with John McGinn’s Aston Villa.

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