Crystal Palace Ready to Fight UEFA Over Europa Spot

Crystal Palace secured a dramatic 2025 FA Cup triumph at Wembley, a victory that normally guarantees Europa League qualification, yet their celebrations have been clouded by uncertainty. Under UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, American businessman John Textor’s 45 per cent shareholding in Selhurst Park, coupled with his controlling stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais, leaves the Eagles at risk of exclusion if both teams reach the same European competition next season.

Crystal Palace’s Europa League dilemma

UEFA rules prohibit two clubs owned by the same individual or group from appearing in the same continental tournament to protect sporting integrity. Lyon, currently pushing for a top-six finish in Ligue 1, could also book a Europa League berth. If that happens, Palace would be forced into the Europa Conference League or potentially barred from Europe altogether, despite earning their place on the pitch. Club sources insist this outcome would be “grossly unfair” to players and supporters who ended a 115-year wait for major silverware.

Legal action on the table

Lawyers acting for the South London outfit have already begun compiling a case that challenges UEFA’s stance. They will argue the governing body failed to provide clear guidance when Textor completed his Palace investment in 2021 and that forcing the FA Cup winners to step aside would breach European competition law. Senior figures believe the Premier League’s own fit-and-proper-persons test, which approved Textor’s share, should carry weight in any arbitration.

Precedents and possible outcomes

Multi-club ownership conflicts are not new. In 2018, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg both competed in the Europa League after restructuring demonstrated “independent decision-making”. Palace intend to use that precedent, promising operational separation, distinct executive boards and ring-fenced finances. UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body will study these submissions before issuing a ruling in late July, just weeks before the qualifying rounds commence.

Impact on summer transfer plans

Manager Oliver Glasner, who joined in early 2024, has built momentum on an exhilarating front-foot style that propelled the cup run. Recruitment director Dougie Freedman admitted Europa League group-stage football would unlock an extra £20 million in broadcast and match-day revenue—funds earmarked for strengthening a thin squad. Should Palace drop into the Conference League or miss out entirely, priority targets such as Lille forward Jonathan David and Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís could become unrealistic.

Supporters’ viewpoint

Fan groups, including the Holmesdale Fanatics, have launched online petitions demanding UEFA “respect the glory won on the field”. Season-ticket holder surveys reveal 78 per cent would travel abroad for Europa League away days, compared with just 42 per cent for Conference League fixtures, underlining the prestige difference. Selhurst Park, scheduled for a £150 million Main Stand redevelopment, also relies on higher-tier European football to maximise hospitality sales.

Crystal Palace’s contingency options

If UEFA rejects Palace’s appeal, the club could:
• Seek a provisional injunction from the Court of Arbitration for Sport enabling participation while the legal process plays out.
• Negotiate with Textor to temporarily dilute his voting rights at either Palace or Lyon, mirroring the Leipzig-Salzburg arrangement.
• Accept Conference League entry yet claim financial damages for lost revenue potential—estimated at £12-14 million.

UEFA’s response

A spokesperson stated that “all member clubs were fully informed of ownership criteria” and added that maintaining a level playing field remains paramount. However, insiders acknowledge growing pressure to revisit regulations as multi-club models proliferate across Europe, from the City Football Group to 777 Partners.

Timeline to resolution

• Early June: UEFA issues provisional competition licences.
• Late July: Final lists submitted; Palace expect a verdict.
• August: Potential CAS hearing if no compromise is reached.

Crystal Palace’s resolve

Executive chairman Steve Parish has publicly vowed to “fight our corner with every tool available.” He argues that disqualifying the FA Cup winners sends a dangerous signal that business structures outweigh sporting merit. Parish also noted that Palace’s academy, which supplied five starters at Wembley, would benefit enormously from European exposure.

Broader implications for English clubs

The case could redefine investment strategies across the Premier League. With private equity funds seeking minority stakes in multiple sides, stricter enforcement might deter much-needed capital, while leniency could ignite integrity debates. Liverpool’s part-ownership of Toulouse and Bournemouth’s ties to Lorient are already under scrutiny.

Opinion: UEFA must modernise its rulebook

The looming standoff highlights how quickly football’s financial landscape has outpaced the regulations meant to govern it. Palace complied with every domestic check and earned Europe the old-fashioned way—by winning trophies. UEFA’s rulebook must evolve to distinguish genuine sporting conflicts from administrative red tape. Supporters deserve clarity long before the first whistle of the 2025-26 campaign, and Palace deserve the European nights they fought so hard to secure.