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Crystal Palace are reportedly prepared to launch legal proceedings against UEFA if they are denied a place in next season’s Europa League, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding multi-club ownership rules.
According to BBC Sport, the south London club will “almost certainly” take legal action should they be excluded from European competition. UEFA was expected to announce a final decision on June 27 regarding Palace’s eligibility, but delays have followed as the governing body assesses potential breaches of its regulations relating to co-owner John Textor’s involvement in both Crystal Palace and French side Lyon.
Having secured a historic FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May, their first major piece of silverware, Palace earned a Europa League berth. However, their European dream now hangs in the balance due to concerns over Textor’s dual ownership.
Palace officials are said to be growing "increasingly exasperated" by the delay in UEFA’s verdict, claiming the club is being "unfairly treated." Textor owns 77% of Lyon through his Eagle Football Group and is currently in the process of divesting his 43% share in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Though he has stepped down from Lyon’s leadership board, the potential conflict of interest continues to complicate matters.
A final ruling from UEFA is now contingent on the outcome of Lyon’s domestic appeal against relegation from Ligue 1. If the French football authorities uphold Lyon’s drop to Ligue 2, triggered by financial instability, then the club would reportedly lose its UEFA competition licence, thereby allowing Palace to take the Europa League slot.
UEFA had initially committed to delivering a verdict by June 27 but has since postponed the decision. “On Monday, the governing body confirmed a final decision would be postponed until Lyon's domestic appeal against their relegation from the French top flight.”
Despite Lyon’s relegation, they remain eligible for European competition until the ruling is finalised. Should the demotion be upheld, however, their UEFA licence would be voided—opening the door for Palace to participate.
Palace’s leadership reportedly feels that the delay is evidence of UEFA favouring clubs with greater European stature. There is also unease over the timing of Textor’s restructuring efforts, with the club arguing that steps have been taken in good faith to remove any potential conflict.
Crystal Palace’s potential return to European football, their first since 1998, remains mired in off-field politics, regulatory interpretation, and cross-border legal considerations. As the wait drags on, Selhurst Park braces for a legal showdown that could determine the club’s European fate.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @cpfc
