Europa League demotion's appeal by Palace dismissed by CAS
Crystal Palace Demoted from Europa League, Nottingham Forest Take Their Place
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Crystal Palace's appeal against UEFA's decision to demote them from the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa League. As a result, Crystal Palace will compete in the UEFA Conference League instead, while Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) retain their Europa League spot, and Nottingham Forest are promoted from the Conference League to the Europa League in Palace's place.
Breach of Multi-Club Ownership Regulations
UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) found that as of March 1, 2025, American businessman John Textor exercised control or influence over both Crystal Palace and Lyon, violating UEFA's multi-club ownership (MCO) rules. The CAS rejected Crystal Palace's appeal on three grounds: that the CFCB decision was unfair and unjust, objection to Nottingham Forest's elevation to the Europa League, and objection to Lyon's continued participation.
Implications for Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais
Crystal Palace, who finished 12th in the Premier League but qualified for the Europa League as FA Cup winners, will play in the 2025/2026 UEFA Conference League playoff round rather than the Europa League. The club has criticized this decision as negating sporting merit and has indicated it may consider further legal actions.
On the other hand, Olympique Lyonnais remain in the Europa League for 2025/2026, benefitting from their higher league position and the MCO ruling. Nottingham Forest take Crystal Palace's Europa League place, moving up from the Conference League as beneficiaries of the MCO rule enforcement.
Ensuring Integrity in European Club Competitions
This decision reinforces UEFA's strict enforcement of multi-club ownership rules to ensure integrity in European club competitions, even when it leads to outcomes that conflict with traditional qualifiers such as domestic cup winners. The demotion of Crystal Palace has significant sporting and reputational implications, potentially influencing their European and legal strategies going forward.
John Textor, who owned a controlling stake in Palace, has resigned from Lyon's board of directors, and Michele Kang has been appointed chairwoman and president. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact Crystal Palace's future in European competitions.
[1] BBC Sport. (2022, August 15). Crystal Palace appeal against Europa League demotion dismissed by CAS. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62567750
[2] Sky Sports. (2022, August 15). Crystal Palace's Europa League demotion upheld by CAS. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12395874/crystal-palace-europa-league-demotion-upheld-by-cas
[3] The Guardian. (2022, August 15). Crystal Palace's Europa League demotion upheld by CAS. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/aug/15/crystal-palace-europa-league-demotion-upheld-by-cas
[4] The Telegraph. (2022, August 15). Crystal Palace to consider legal action after Europa League demotion. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/08/15/crystal-palace-consider-legal-action-europa-league-demotion/
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