Crystal Palace Lose Appeal Over European Demotion

Crystal Palace have failed in their appeal against being demoted from the Europa League and will instead compete in the UEFA Conference League this season.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA’s decision to punish the club for breaching multi-club ownership rules, a ruling that also confirms Nottingham Forest’s place in the Europa League after they were promoted into Palace’s spot.

The verdict comes just a day after Palace celebrated winning the Community Shield, beating Liverpool on penalties at Wembley.

Palace had booked their place in the Europa League by lifting the FA Cup last season, but were sanctioned after UEFA determined that American businessman John Textor – who until June owned a 43% stake in the club – still held decisive influence over both Palace and French side Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League.

UEFA rules prohibit clubs under the control or significant influence of the same person or entity from playing in the same European competition. Palace were given until 1 March 2025 to prove they had restructured ownership arrangements, but missed the deadline.

In its decision, CAS stated that:

• The regulations leave no room for flexibility for clubs non-compliant on the assessment date.
• Textor retained decisive influence over Palace and Lyon when UEFA made its assessment.
• Comparisons to Nottingham Forest and Lyon’s treatment did not alter the ruling.

Palace argued Textor no longer influenced the club’s affairs, but UEFA and CAS rejected the defence.

The Eagles will now enter the Conference League play-off round later this month, where they will face either Fredrikstad of Norway or Denmark’s Midtjylland.