Decision on Palace's Europa League fate delayed

 

Crystal Palace's participation in next season’s Europa League is still undecided, as UEFA delays its ruling over concerns related to its multi-club ownership rules. Palace had qualified for the competition by winning the FA Cup, but co-owner John Textor also owns a controlling stake in French club Lyon, which poses a conflict under UEFA regulations. These rules prohibit clubs with shared ownership from competing in the same European tournament. To resolve the situation, Textor has agreed to sell his 44 percent stake in Crystal Palace. The buyer is expected to be Woody Johnson, the American owner of the New York Jets. Despite this move, UEFA has chosen to delay its decision, as Lyon the other club in question is now facing its own crisis. The French football authorities recently demoted Lyon to Ligue 2 due to financial issues. Textor has since stepped down from his leadership role at the French club, which is appealing the demotion. UEFA is holding off on any final decisions about Palace's European status until Lyon's appeal is resolved. It’s unclear how long the appeal will take, and UEFA has not provided a specific timeline, only stating that updates will come "in due course."

The uncertainty surrounding Crystal Palace’s Europa League qualification highlights a broader issue UEFA has been cracking down on: multi-club ownership. Last month, Irish club Drogheda United was expelled from the Conference League because the Trivela Group, which owns the team, also owns Danish club Silkeborg. Similar rules could now impact Palace if their links to Lyon are deemed to violate UEFA guidelines. John Textor, who owns 77 percent of Lyon through his Eagle Football Group, recently revealed that the club has debts totaling £422 million. Following Lyon’s financial crisis and subsequent demotion by French authorities, the club announced it would relinquish its Europa League spot if the appeal fails potentially clearing the way for Palace. However, UEFA will wait for the outcome of Lyon’s appeal before making a final call. If Palace is eventually allowed to compete, they will join the Europa League group stage, which begins in September. The official draw for the group phase is scheduled for August 29. In the meantime, Textor’s move to divest from Crystal Palace is seen as a strategic step to comply with UEFA regulations and secure the club’s European ambitions. His resignation from day-to-day operations at Lyon further suggests a shift in focus as legal and financial troubles deepen in France. Lyon has described the decision to relegate them as “incomprehensible,” and maintains that it will challenge the ruling in hopes of retaining its top-flight status. Until that legal process plays out, Palace's future in European football remains in limbo.

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