UEFA has demoted Crystal Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League due to a breach of its multi-club ownership rules. The decision comes as US businessman John Textor, who holds a significant stake in Palace, is also the majority owner of French side Lyon—both clubs had qualified for the Europa League.
According to UEFA’s regulations, Lyon retained their Europa League spot as they finished 6th in Ligue 1, while Palace came 12th in the Premier League. Palace had secured their first-ever European qualification by winning the FA Cup in May.
Although Textor has agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, the deal hasn’t been finalized and missed UEFA’s March 1 deadline for resolving ownership conflicts.
The ruling had been delayed due to a separate financial case involving Lyon, which has since been resolved, clearing the way for UEFA’s enforcement of the ownership rule.
