Crystal Palace's Europa League Future Hangs in Balance as UEFA Delays Decision

UEFA has postponed its decision on Crystal Palace's participation in the Europa League due to ongoing appeals involving French club Lyon.

By Chris Posiano

June 30, 2025 at 1:42 PM

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UEFA has delayed its decision on whether Crystal Palace will compete in next season's Europa League, leaving the club's European aspirations uncertain. The Eagles secured their spot by winning the FA Cup in May, marking their first major trophy. However, their participation has been threatened by UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, which prohibit teams under the same ownership from entering the same European competition.

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, who also holds a significant stake in French club Lyon, has agreed to sell his 44% share in the English club to resolve the conflict. A decision was initially expected on Monday, but complications arose when Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2 last week due to financial issues. Lyon is currently appealing the decision, and UEFA has chosen to wait for the outcome before finalizing Crystal Palace's fate.

Should Lyon's appeal fail, they have pledged to forfeit their Europa League spot, potentially clearing the way for Crystal Palace. UEFA has not provided a timeline for the appeal process, stating that further details will be announced "in due course."

This situation echoes a recent incident involving Irish club Drogheda United, which was expelled from the Conference League due to ownership conflicts. If Crystal Palace is allowed to compete, they will enter the group stage of the Europa League, with the draw scheduled for August 29.

Meanwhile, John Textor is in the process of selling his stake in Crystal Palace to Woody Johnson, owner of the NFL's New York Jets. Textor, who also owns a 77% share in Lyon, resigned from his leadership role at the French club on Monday, citing a desire to step back from day-to-day operations. Lyon, which reported debts of £422 million last October, has called their relegation "incomprehensible" and remains determined to fight the decision.

As the football world awaits UEFA's final verdict, Crystal Palace fans are left in suspense, hopeful that their club's historic FA Cup victory will lead to a European adventure.