Crystal Palace Appeal Against Europa League Demotion
Crystal Palace have officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) contesting UEFA’s decision to demote them from the 2025/26 Europa League to the Europa Conference League—a consequence of alleged conflicts stemming from former owner John Textor’s ownership links to Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League. Why This Matters Multi-club ownership rules: UEFA ruled that Textor’s past control of both Palace and Olympique Lyonnais breached regulations prohibiting influence over two teams in the same European competition. Palace insist Textor had zero decisive influence at Selhurst Park and had sold his stake before European qualification. FA Cup triumph overshadowed: Palace earned Europa League qualification by winning the 2024–25 FA Cup—the first in their history—only to have that slot revoked. The decision allows Nottingham Forest to replace them in the competition. What the Club is Saying […]