Crystal Palace Relegated in Multi-Club Ownership Case

Premier League club Crystal Palace has been moved from the Europa League to the Conference League due to a multi-club ownership issue, as confirmed by UEFA on Friday.

Meanwhile, Olympique Lyonnais will retain its position in the Europa League.

Palace qualified for the Europa League by securing the FA Cup in 2024-25, while Lyon earned their spot by finishing sixth in Ligue 1.

Following the reversal of their demotion to Ligue 2 on Wednesday, which was initially due to financial concerns, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) addressed the multi-club ownership situation.

UEFA stated that after reviewing documentation from both Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace, the CFCB First Chamber determined that the clubs did not meet the multi-club ownership criteria as of March 1, 2025.

Since both Lyon and Palace had qualified for the Europa League, the French club was permitted to maintain its place because of its superior league standing; Palace finished 12th in the Premier League.

John Textor, the primary owner and chairman of Eagle Football Group, holds a majority stake in Lyon and a controlling interest in Palace. Textor has since stepped down from Lyon’s board, and Michele Kang has been appointed as chairwoman and president.

UEFA regulations prohibit dual ownership exceeding 30%, though Palace has refuted any violation, asserting that Textor has no management role at the English club.

Last month, Palace also indicated that Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson, co-owner of the New York Jets, had entered into a legally binding agreement to acquire Eagle Football Holding’s share in the Premier League club, subject to Premier League approval.

However, Palace failed to meet the March deadline for complying with the multi-club ownership regulations.

Textor expressed his surprise at the ruling, stating that they took all necessary steps to distance themselves from the club.

Textor remarked that he was stunned, stating that they did everything asked by UEFA to separate from the club, starting a sales process before the deadline, with the sale set to occur well before the draw.

Lyon was initially demoted by French football’s financial authority (DNCG) in November because of their financial situation, but the decision to relegate them to Ligue 2 was overturned by the appeals committee.

Palace retains the option to challenge the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.