Crystal Palace’s bid to retain their spot in the UEFA Europa League has ended in defeat after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA’s decision to relegate the club to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership rules.
The case revolved around American businessman John Textor, founder of Eagle Football Holdings, who CAS determined “had shares in CPFC and OL and was a Board member with decisive influence over both clubs at the time of UEFA’s assessment date.” Olympique Lyonnais (OL), the other club involved, has also secured Europa League qualification.
Palace had earned their place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May and went on to win the Community Shield on Sunday. They sought to overturn UEFA’s 11 July ruling, aiming to have either Nottingham Forest or Lyon excluded instead. However, CAS concluded that “the UEFA Regulations are clear and do not provide flexibility to clubs that are non-compliant on the assessment date.”
The in-person hearing took place in Lausanne on August 8, with Palace chairman Steve Parish present. Prior to the decision, Parish hinted at the possibility of exploring further action if the ruling went against the club. The entire appeal process was expedited, concluding in just over two weeks. CAS noted that a full written explanation of the verdict will be published unless both parties request confidentiality.
The outcome sees Nottingham Forest step into Palace’s Europa League spot, giving them an unexpected European opportunity ahead of their August 24 Premier League clash at Selhurst Park. Palace, meanwhile, will now enter the UEFA Conference League instead.
What You Should Know
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed UEFA’s demotion of Crystal Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League, citing breaches of multi-club ownership rules linked to investor John Textor.
Nottingham Forest will replace Palace in the Europa League, while Palace will compete in the Conference League this season.
