Europa League Decision for Palace Still Pending

Crystal Palace remain in limbo over their potential Europa League spot after UEFA postponed a final decision linked to multi-club ownership regulations.

The south London side claimed qualification after their FA Cup victory in May—marking the club’s first major silverware—but their involvement is under scrutiny because of co-owner John Textor’s 44% stake in Palace and his majority control of French club Lyon, who also qualified.

UEFA prohibits two clubs with shared ownership from playing in the same European competition. Textor is currently in the process of selling his Palace stake to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. He also stepped down from his leadership role at Lyon on Monday while retaining a 77% majority.

Last week, Lyon were demoted to Ligue 2 by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, due to budget shortcomings. While Lyon have lodged an appeal, they agreed to withdraw from the Europa League if their relegation is confirmed. UEFA will now wait for the outcome before determining Palace’s eligibility.

A UEFA spokesperson said details would follow “in due course.” Palace, according to BBC Sport sources, had anticipated a delay after UEFA’s stance last week.

In June, Drogheda United were withdrawn from the Europa Conference League because of a similar multi-club control issue linked to the Trivela Group’s ownership of both Drogheda and Silkeborg of Denmark.

Should Palace be approved, they’ll enter directly into the Europa League group stage in September. The draw is scheduled for 29 August.

Textor’s Eagle Football Group, which oversees Lyon, Palace, Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek and Brazil’s Botafogo, announced last year that its debt at Lyon stood at £422 million. The Ligue 1 side called the DNCG ruling “incomprehensible” and are appealing.

At Selhurst Park, there’s quiet frustration. Senior club figures believe UEFA are leaning on the French authorities to resolve the issue indirectly. If Lyon’s drop is upheld, the path clears for Palace. But if their appeal succeeds, UEFA must then rule whether Textor held controlling influence at both clubs—something Palace contests.

“They earned the right to be there by winning,” one club insider said, noting Palace’s strong financial standing and compliance with regulations while contrasting their stability to Lyon’s faltering books.

While some at UEFA are perceived to empathise with Palace’s circumstance, the governing body has stayed silent, reluctant to set a precedent.

Palace fans and board members are watching closely. Johnson’s acquisition of Textor’s Palace shares is nearing completion, but its timing hasn’t protected the club from this standstill.

Off the pitch, this uncertainty hampers recruitment and long-term planning. On it, preparation is paused—as players and staff wait for clarity from institutions outside their control.

WRITTEN BY

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the Founder of Futbol Chronicle and an accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every match report, player profile, and tactical analysis he writes.

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