UEFA Delays Decision on Crystal Palace’s Europa League Spot
UEFA has delayed making a decision on whether Crystal Palace can play in the Europa League next season.
Palace earned a place in the competition by winning the FA Cup. However, there is a problem because the club’s biggest shareholder, John Textor, also owns part of the French team Lyon.
Textor owns about 43% of Palace through his company Eagle Holdings, but he has only 25% of the voting power—equal to other major investors.
Why UEFA Is Waiting
UEFA rules don’t allow two clubs with the same owner to play in the same European competition. In these cases, the higher-ranked team gets priority.
Lyon finished sixth in France’s top league (Ligue 1) last season, but they were recently dropped to Ligue 2 (second division) due to financial problems. Lyon is now appealing this decision.
Because Lyon might still qualify for Europe if the appeal succeeds, UEFA has decided to wait before confirming Palace’s place in the Europa League.
Lyon has made a deal with UEFA that says if their appeal fails and the relegation stands, they will not take part in European competitions. But if the appeal is successful, UEFA will need to decide which team—Lyon or Palace—can compete
