Crystal Palace decides to sue UEFA for being stripped of Europa League

(NLDO) – Crystal Palace believes that UEFA has oppressed them by removing their name from the list of Europa League teams for the 2025-2026 season even though they officially won a ticket by winning the FA Cup.

Crystal Palace are taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being disqualified from the 2025-26 Europa League. The dispute stems from UEFA’s claim that the English club breached its multi-club ownership rules, with investor John Textor holding stakes in both Crystal Palace and Lyon – a French side that also qualifies for the Europa League.

Crystal Palace win FA Cup - first major title in 119 years

Under UEFA rules, a single person or entity cannot control two clubs at the same time if both teams qualify for European competitions in the same season. As of the March 1, 2025 deadline, Textor – through Eagle Football Holdings – still owns around 44% of Crystal Palace and controls Lyon.

Billionaire John Textor (left) is a major shareholder in Lyon and co-owner of Crystal Palace, billionaire David Blitzer, is also the owner of Brondby Club.

Crystal Palace, despite later presenting ample evidence that the American investor had sold a majority stake in Palace and stepped down from the Lyon board, maintained that the timing of these changes was too late.

Palace were eliminated from the Europa League despite winning the FA Cup final 1-0 against Man City, with their Europa League spot being handed to Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season.

Not accepting this decision, Crystal Palace has filed an appeal to CAS, requesting to cancel UEFA's decision and restore their Europa League spot.

The London club insist they have complied with the rules, and accuse UEFA of applying “double standards” in enforcing them. Palace point to other clubs – including Nottingham Forest – who have been given until the end of April to resolve ownership disputes, while they were only given until March 1.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish vows to 'fight to the end' for justice

Chairman Steve Parish called UEFA's decision "a serious injustice" and said the club would use all legal means to protect its rights. Meanwhile, coach Oliver Glasner said the team was still focused on preparing for the new season and was confident of a victory at CAS.

Crystal Palace fans march against UEFA at Shelhurst Park

The closed-door hearing is scheduled to take place on August 8 in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a final decision to be announced no later than August 11. In the meantime, Crystal Palace has shown its discontent by removing all information related to the Europa Conference League from its official media platforms.

Fans of this team even protested and set off flares outside the headquarters of the European Football Federation to protest UEFA's decision.

Crystal Palace fans protest outside CAS headquarters in Switzerland

If CAS approves the appeal, Palace will be given back their Europa League place, meaning Lyon or Nottingham Forest will be relegated to the Conference League. Conversely, if they lose, Palace will have to accept playing in Europe's third tier - a league they have never played in before.

These three teams have a special relationship.

Palace’s case will be a test for UEFA, given the growing trend of multi-club ownership across Europe. If the organisation has been flexible with big names, excluding Palace – a smaller club – will be controversial.

If Palace are ultimately stripped of the Europa League, it will be understandable to feel regretful, but it will be a valuable lesson not just for them but for every club entering the multi-team game, where the rules can be far from black and white, but full of “grey areas”.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/crystal-palace-quyet-kien-uefa-vi-bi-tuoc-quyen-du-europa-league-196250806073713782.htm