Crystal Palace’s historic entry into European football has been curtailed by UEFA, which demoted the club from the Europa League to the Conference League due to a breach of multi-club ownership rules. The ruling was made public on Friday.
The issue arises from John Textor’s ownership stakes in both Crystal Palace and French side Lyon, both of which qualified for the Europa League. UEFA’s regulations prevent clubs with shared ownership from competing in the same European tournament.
Lyon retained their Europa League place by virtue of finishing higher in their domestic league than Palace. The Eagles’ maiden European qualification came after their FA Cup triumph in May.
Textor’s pending sale of his 43 percent stake in Palace to Woody Johnson has not been finalized in time to meet UEFA’s March 1 deadline. This delay contributed to the enforcement of the sanction.
Nottingham Forest, who had qualified for the Conference League, will be promoted to the Europa League slot vacated by Palace. The club plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The verdict was postponed while Lyon’s financial troubles were under review, but their successful appeal and Textor’s withdrawal from Lyon’s daily management solidified UEFA’s final stance.