Crystal Palace’s UEFA Future Pending Amid Lyon Relegation Dispute

Crystal Palace’s chances of participating in next season’s Europa League have been postponed as UEFA reviews the situation involving Lyon’s potential relegation. The decision, originally expected early this week, is now on hold, with officials promising a resolution “in due course.”

The controversy centers around Lyon’s ownership, linked to US businessman John Textor, who owns both Lyon and holds a 43% stake in Palace through Eagle Football Holdings. UEFA’s rules prohibit clubs under common ownership from competing in the same tournament.

Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Palace to Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, but UEFA’s approval depends on resolving the ownership conflict. Lyon finished sixth in their domestic league, which would have secured their spot, while Palace finished twelfth.

French authorities have recently demoted Lyon to Ligue 2 over financial rule breaches, a decision currently under appeal. If the demotion is upheld, Palace could secure the UEFA spot. Lyon has appealed the relegation, and the outcome may influence UEFA’s final ruling.

Furthermore, Textor announced he is stepping back from Lyon’s day-to-day operations to focus on other clubs he owns. Lyon’s women’s team, OL Lyonnes, will now be led by Michele Kang, who also owns teams in London and Washington. This restructuring aims to address regulatory concerns.

UEFA has stated that their investigation into the multi-club ownership case is temporarily postponed, pending Lyon’s compliance with financial regulations and the outcome of their appeal. Further details are expected as the situation develops.