Crystal Palace’s hopes of European football have taken a significant hit following UEFA’s ruling that they will be relegated from the Europa League to the Conference League. This decision was made by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), which found that Palace was too closely linked to Lyon, creating a conflict under UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Rules (MCO).
Lyon’s successful appeal against relegation from Ligue 2 further complicated matters. Initially, Lyon was demoted due to financial difficulties, which would have vacated their place in the Europa League. However, their appeal allowed them to reclaim that position, forcing Crystal Palace to accept a swap with Nottingham Forest, who will now take Palace’s place in the Conference League playoff round next month.
Palace’s qualification for the Europa League was secured by their FA Cup victory over Manchester City. Nevertheless, due to MCO regulations, ownership stakes created complications. John Textor, the chairman of Eagle Football Holdings, owns 77% of Lyon and 43.9% of Palace. UEFA’s rules stipulate that when two clubs are owned in a way that violates MCO, the higher-performing club in the league takes precedence for European competition.
Although Palace had a successful cup run, finishing mid-table in the Premier League ultimately means they will not participate directly in the Europa League, which offers greater financial benefits compared to the Conference League. This ruling is indicative of a stricter enforcement of MCO regulations by UEFA, which last year had already seen clubs like Drogheda United and Gyori ETO removed from European competitions under similar circumstances.
Despite the setback, Crystal Palace is expected to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Others have succeeded in previous appeals against MCO decisions. The situation also mirrors earlier UEFA actions, such as the arrangement for Cinderella stories like Girona and Manchester City to compete in the Champions League, showcasing an adaptable approach from the governing body.
While the news carries challenges for Crystal Palace, it also highlights the evolving landscape of club ownership regulations in football. As clubs navigate these complicated rules, there remains a glimmer of hope that through legal appeals and regulatory adjustments, they can still pursue their dreams of European competition.