By Daniel Osabuohien
Crystal Palace’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League has been dismissed. The demotion was due to a breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, as American businessman John Textor had shares in both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais held a board position with decisive influence over both clubs as of March 1.
Key Points:
UEFA’s Decision: Palace was demoted to the Conference League while Lyon was allowed to keep its Europa League spot due to finishing higher in their respective leagues.
– *Replacement*: Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will take Palace’s place in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace’s Schedule: Palace will play in the Conference League’s qualifying playoff round, facing either Fredrikstad or Midtjylland in a two-legged match on August 21 and 28.
Textor’s Resignation: John Textor has resigned from Lyon’s board of directors, and Michele Kang has been appointed chairwoman and president.
Palace’s Reaction: Club chairman Steve Parish stated that if the appeal was lost, they would “have to look if there’s any steps after that”.
The CAS panel found that Textor’s influence over both clubs violated UEFA regulations, and the decision was made despite Textor selling his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in late July.
