Crystal Palace face a crucial meeting with UEFA representatives on Tuesday to determine whether they can compete in next season’s Europa League, following their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. The Premier League club must convince UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) that they don’t violate multi-club ownership regulations.
The issue stems from American businessman John Textor’s 43% stake in Palace through Eagle Football, while simultaneously owning Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League with a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1. UEFA rules prohibit individuals from having significant control over multiple clubs competing in the same competition.
Palace are reportedly confident of clearing this hurdle, arguing that Textor holds only 25% of voting rights, with fellow owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and chairman Steve Parish controlling the remainder. They maintain that Parish handles day-to-day operations, and that Eagle Football lacks decision-making authority due to the club’s voting structure.
If Palace fail to convince UEFA, Lyon would retain their Europa League spot based on their higher league finish. This scenario could potentially relegate Palace to the Conference League, though Textor’s ownership of Danish club Brondby, who qualified for that competition, presents another ownership conflict.
Should Palace be excluded from European competition entirely, Brighton & Hove Albion could unexpectedly benefit. The Seagulls finished eighth in the Premier League, which would have secured Conference League qualification had Palace not won the FA Cup or if Chelsea had finished outside the top six.
The CFCB has previously ruled on similar multi-club ownership cases, allowing Manchester City and Girona (both owned by City Football Group) to compete in this season’s Champions League. Similarly, Manchester United and Nice, both partially owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, were cleared to participate in the Europa League.
For Palace fans, the situation adds tension to what should be a celebratory moment, as the club prepares for what would be their first-ever European campaign following their maiden major trophy win under Oliver Glasner’s management. The decision could set an important precedent as multi-club ownership models continue to proliferate throughout European football.
