Crystal Palace Faces Uncertain Future in Europa League Due to Ownership Concerns
In a shocking turn of events, Premier League side Crystal Palace is at risk of being expelled from next season’s UEFA Europa League. The team, which qualified for the competition after a thrilling 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, may be banned due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. The issue stems from American businessman John Textor’s 43% stake in the club, as he also owns Olympique Lyon, which finished sixth in France and qualified for the Europa League.
According to UEFA regulations, two teams owned by the same individual or body cannot participate in the same competition. As a result, Crystal Palace, which finished 12th in England, may be expelled in favor of Lyon. To make matters worse, another Crystal Palace owner, David Blitzer, has a stake in Brondby, a Danish club that finished third in their league and is currently in the playoffs for the Europa Conference League. This means that even if Crystal Palace were to be dropped to the Conference League, they would not be eligible to participate due to Blitzer’s ownership ties.
The situation has sparked concern among Crystal Palace officials, who are set to meet with UEFA in Switzerland to clarify their position and plead their case. The team is eager to participate in the Europa League, which would provide a significant boost to their finances and attract top talent to the club. However, they must convince UEFA that Textor’s ownership comes with limited influence, as he reportedly holds only 25% of the voting rights at Selhurst Park.
The stakes are high for Crystal Palace, which is seeking to make its debut in European competition in the 2025-26 season. The team’s fate will be decided in the coming weeks, and fans are anxiously awaiting the outcome. Meanwhile, the club’s star midfielder, Eberechi Eze, has caught the attention of Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly considering triggering his £68 million release clause.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Crystal Palace’s future in the Europa League hangs in the balance. The club’s owners and officials will need to navigate the complex web of UEFA regulations and convince the governing body that they meet the necessary criteria to participate in the competition. Only time will tell if Crystal Palace will be able to overcome these hurdles and take their place among Europe’s top clubs.
