Crystal Palace Learn Their European Destiny as UEFA Makes Crucial Ruling

Crystal Palace face exclusion from the 2025–26 Europa League competition and will be relegated to the Conference League after UEFA's latest ruling.

The South London club secured their European spot by defeating Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final, though concerns about potential sanctions have persisted due to UEFA's regulations regarding multi-club ownership.

John Textor, who holds the controlling stake in Palace, simultaneously owns Lyon, a team that earned Europa League qualification by securing sixth place in Ligue 1 during the previous campaign. The French club also successfully overturned their relegation to Ligue 2 following financial difficulties.

UEFA regulations prohibit teams from participating in identical competitions when they share an owner who exercises controlling influence over both organizations. While Textor has refuted claims of wielding such control at Palace, this argument failed to sway UEFA's final verdict.

The American investor had recently reached an agreement to transfer his Palace ownership to fellow American billionaire Woody Johnson, however the transaction could not be completed before the deadline to prevent the Eagles' Europa League exclusion.

UEFA has confirmed that multi-club ownership regulations have been violated in this case, though Palace is anticipated to challenge this ruling through the court of arbitration for sport.

Palace's disappointment may become Nottingham Forest's opportunity, as the Midlands team could potentially be elevated from the Conference League to the Europa League.