Crystal Palace in court: Europa-League dream burst!

Crystal Palace in court: Europa-League dream burst!

London, England - Crystal Palace was transferred to the UEFA Conference League on July 11th after the Premier League club violated the regulations of the Multi-Club-Owership. The American John Textor holds significant shares in Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyon, which according to UEFA rules is a conflict, since several clubs controlled by an institution must not compete in the same competition. Despite this decision, Olympique Lyon remains in competition because they were able to avert a forced descent from Ligue 1. Nottingham Forest received the Europa League starting area, although Crystal Palace narrowly missed the qualification as the table seventh.

Crystal Palace submitted a lawsuit to the Europa League at the International Sports Court (CAS). Alternatively, the club has applied for a resumption if the decision against Lyon remains. Club President Steve Parish vehemently commented on the allegations and emphasized that Crystal Palace did not violate the UEFA rules. He described the decision as "one of the greatest injustices in European football" and plans legal steps to clarify the situation.

rule violations and their consequences

The UEFA makes it clear in its regulations that no one in the administration or in the sporting operation of more than one club may work in their competitions from March 1, 2025. This provision is viewed particularly critically, since the simultaneous participation of textor in Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyon violates the multi-club ownership rules. According to a report by the Premier League, Crystal Palace “expressed extremely dismayed” about the decision and emphasized that they were not part of such a multi-club operation.

The UEFA has decided to accept Palace's participation in the UEFA Conference League 2025/26. An official explanation of the UEFA confirmed this and pointed out that the club had the opportunity to make an appeal against this decision. UEFA has not yet announced whether another English Association Crystal Palace will replace in the Europa League.

growing concern about multi-club older hip

The topic of the multi -club ownership structure is of immense importance in the European football landscape. The European football market will be estimated at around 26 billion euros in 2023. More than 300 football clubs are now involved in various owner groups with several teams. The UEFA warns that this could endanger the integrity of European competitions. More than 44 multi-club investment groups are active from the USA, which increases the risk that two clubs with the same owner will meet in a competition.

leading US investors such as Redbird (AC Milan), Eagle Football (Lyon) and 777 Partners (Everton) have acquired majority shares in numerous first division in Europe in recent years. Fans in countries such as England, Belgium and France have protested against American owners, while groups such as Football Supporters Europe are demanding strict regulations to preserve the integrity of the game. UEFA has already taken measures against several American multi-club groups.

The situation remains tense for Crystal Palace, and the next steps in the legal dispute could have far -reaching effects on the association and the entire structure of European football.

Premier League | AP news