Crystal Palace is facing the possibility of complete expulsion from European competition next season after UEFA rejected a desperate plan proposed by the club`s shareholders.
The Eagles` potential participation in the Europa League, for which they qualified by winning the FA Cup, is now in jeopardy. This is due to shareholder John Textor`s ownership stake in the French club Lyon.
Lyon is also set to compete in the Europa League next season, having secured a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1.
UEFA regulations strictly state that no individual should be “simultaneously involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition.”
The chances of Palace dropping into the Europa Conference League are also highly improbable, as another shareholder, David Blitzer, holds a stake in Danish club Brøndby, who are scheduled to play in that competition next season.
In a last-ditch effort to ensure the Eagles could compete in Europe next season and comply with UEFA rules, Textor and Blitzer offered to place their shares in a blind trust.
However, UEFA officials have rejected this proposal, leaving Palace`s potential European journey for next season in a state of uncertainty.
The rejection occurred because Palace missed the designated registration deadline for submitting the proposal.
Had the blind trust been approved, a group of trustees would have taken control of Textor`s shares in Palace specifically for the 2025/26 season.
English clubs have previously utilized blind trusts to navigate UEFA`s multi-club ownership rules without falling foul of them.
For example, Manchester City and Manchester United employed blind trusts last season as their associated clubs, Girona and Nice, had both qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively.
Earlier this week, Palace held crucial talks with UEFA aimed at resolving this potentially devastating situation.
Following the meeting near Lake Geneva, Textor has reportedly put his shares in the south London club up for sale.
“Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting. They listened and we`ll see what happens. I wouldn`t be trying to sell [my stake] if I did.”
Textor, 59, further added:
“We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”
