The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed Crystal Palace’s appeal against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed that Crystal Palace’s appeal against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League is underway. The Eagles had qualified for the Europa League as FA Cup winners, but their participation was put in doubt due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
The issue arose because of John Textor’s ownership stake in both Crystal Palace and French club Lyon. Under UEFA’s rules, clubs with the same ownership group cannot compete in the same competition, and any conflicts of interest had to be resolved by March 1.
Textor sold his 43% stake in Crystal Palace to Woody Johnson after the deadline, but the sale seemed to pave the way for Palace’s Europa League participation.
However, Lyon’s successful appeal against their relegation to Ligue 2 and subsequent reinstatement to Ligue 1 meant they would take up their Europa League spot. As a result, UEFA confirmed that Palace would be demoted to the Conference League.
The CAS appeal will determine the fate of Crystal Palace’s European participation, with a decision expected by August 11, 2025. If Palace’s appeal is successful, they could retain their Europa League spot.
According to UEFA regulations, if Palace’s demotion stands, the next-best-placed club in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest, would take their place in the Europa League. However, Forest’s participation has not been confirmed, as UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body is waiting for the outcome of the CAS appeal.
