Crystal Palace Dropped to Europa Conference League Due to Ownership Rules

Crystal Palace has been reclassified from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League after breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. Nottingham Forest, based on league standings, is set to take Palace’s place in the Europa League.

UEFA confirmed the decision, which impacts Palace despite their recent FA Cup victory. The club plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has a track record of fast-tracking such cases. However, similar appeals by other clubs have previously upheld UEFA’s rulings, including Drogheda United’s exclusion from the Conference League last month.

Palace’s ownership group, Eagle Football Holdings, is controlled by US businessman John Textor. This ownership structure conflicts with UEFA rules when two clubs with ownership ties qualify for the same competition. Despite Palace finishing 12th in the Premier League and Lyon, owned by Textor and finishing sixth in Ligue 1, only one can participate.

As Lyon finished higher in their domestic league, they retain their place in the Europa League. UEFA explained that Lyon’s appeal against relegation for financial breaches was successful, which allowed them to compete. Therefore, UEFA concluded that Palace’s ownership structure violated regulations, leading to their exclusion from the Europa League and move to the Conference League.

Palace officials disputed the decision, claiming that Textor’s minority voting rights—only 25%—meant he lacked influence over club decisions. The club intends to challenge UEFA’s ruling, which could be appealed further to CAS.

Crystal Palace initially qualified for the Europa League through their FA Cup win but have now been relegated to the Conference League.

Lyon, majority owned by Palace’s former shareholder John Textor, secured their spot after successfully appealing against relegation in Ligue 1.

Textor’s ownership of stakes in both clubs raised concerns under UEFA’s multi-club regulations.