Crystal Palace's Europa League Dreams Hang in the Balance After Lyon Ruling
So here's the latest twist in European football drama — and it's a tough one for Crystal Palace fans. Just when the club thought they’d be celebrating their long-awaited entry into the Europa League after lifting the FA Cup, everything’s suddenly in jeopardy. Why? Because of a successful appeal by Lyon that could change everything.
Lyon, the seven-time French champions, were initially relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial irregularities. That demotion meant they were out of European contention for next season, which would have cleared the way for Palace to enjoy their rightful Europa League spot. But this week, Lyon successfully appealed the relegation ruling. Now they’re back in Ligue 1 — and, crucially, eligible again for European competition after finishing sixth in the league.
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This has major consequences because of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. John Textor, the American businessman behind Eagle Football Holdings, owns stakes in both Lyon and Crystal Palace. UEFA regulations prevent two clubs under significant common ownership from competing in the same European competition. And even though Textor has begun the process of selling his Palace shares to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, the transaction hasn’t been finalized.
UEFA delayed a decision last week on whether Palace could enter the Europa League, clearly waiting for the Lyon verdict. Now that Lyon is back in the mix, Palace is at serious risk of being bumped down to the Conference League — with Nottingham Forest potentially taking their Europa League spot.
Inside Selhurst Park, the mood is understandably tense. Palace argue that Textor no longer has decisive influence over the club and have even tried to put his shares in a blind trust — but UEFA rejected that move because it missed the March 1 deadline. There’s also frustration that UEFA hasn't already cleared Palace, which some see as a signal they’re leaning toward exclusion.
If that happens, Palace won't go quietly. The club is ready to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They’re determined to fight for their European dream — a dream that’s been decades in the making. And even if they end up in the Conference League, which would still be their first major European appearance, it’s going to feel like a bitter consolation.
All eyes are now on UEFA. A ruling is expected any day, and it will either confirm Palace's biggest triumph in modern football history or deliver a crushing blow just when the club thought they had made it to the big stage.
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