Brighton & Hove Albion have left midfielder Malick Yalcouye out of their UEFA Conference League squad for the league phase. The 20-year-old was a notable omission from the 25-man 'A' list submitted before Thursday's 11pm BST deadline, as reported by The Athletic.
Yalcouye scored on his full Premier League debut in Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Chelsea. His exclusion comes as Brighton sit ninth in the Premier League with three points from their opening two games. The Seagulls have scored seven goals and conceded four so far this season.
Who else missed out on the Conference League squad?
Yalcouye was not the only significant name left off the list. Winger Kaoru Mitoma and midfielder Yankuba Minteh were also omitted, alongside Dutch international Mats Wieffer. Mitoma and Minteh are currently on the club's injuries list, which also includes striker Evan Ferguson and defender Jack Hinshelwood.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler must now manage his squad across domestic and European commitments. "We have to see how we manage this," Hurzeler said. The German coach added, "With UEFA, you have to announce the team by a certain point, and now I think there are different scenarios which can change these scenarios."
What are the UEFA Conference League squad rules?
UEFA regulations allow for a maximum of 25 players on the 'A' list. Teams must include at least four 'club-trained' players, defined as those registered with the club for three seasons between the ages of 15 and 21. Yalcouye does not qualify, having signed from IFK Gothenburg in July 2024. Clubs must also name up to four 'association-trained' players, developed within the English system.
An unlimited number of players aged 15 to 21 who have been registered with the club for two uninterrupted years can be placed on a 'B' list. UEFA does permit emergency changes for long-term injuries or illness. A replacement can be added until 10:59pm UK time the day before a match if an outfield player is sidelined for 60 days or a goalkeeper for 30.
What does this mean for Yalcouye's season?
The omission limits Yalcouye's European involvement this campaign. He featured in both legs of Brighton's 4-0 aggregate play-off win against Tromso in August. Last season, the midfielder made eight appearances in the Champions League league phase while on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz. He also spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Swansea City in the Championship.
His absence from the European squad suggests his primary focus will be on domestic duties. Brighton's next fixture is an away trip to face Coventry City on September 13. You can view the full fixtures schedule for the season ahead.
When does Brighton's Conference League campaign start?
Brighton begin their league phase campaign at home to Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris on October 15. Their group stage schedule includes home matches against Universitatea Craiova on November 26 and Monaco on December 10.
The away schedule sees trips to Czech club Jablonec on October 22, La Liga side Getafe on November 5, and Greek giants Panathinaikos in Athens on December 17. Clubs that progress to the knockout stages can make up to three changes to their UEFA squad between the league phase and the knockouts.
Brighton are currently three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City. The squad list decisions underline the challenging balancing act Hurzeler faces with a congested calendar and several key players unavailable.
