Crystal Palace’s Europa League Dreams End as CAS Dismisses Appeal Against Demotion to Conference League
Crystal Palace’s hopes of reinstatement to the Europa League were dashed on Monday as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed their appeal against UEFA’s decision to demote them to the third-tier Conference League.
The controversy arose after UEFA ruled that Palace could not compete in the Europa League due to ownership conflicts involving their chairman, John Textor. At the time of the ruling, Textor held a controlling stake in Palace while also being a majority owner of Olympique Lyonnais, which was allowed to retain its place in the Europa League.
As a result of the ruling, Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will take Palace’s spot in the Europa League.
In its statement, the CAS panel highlighted that Textor’s dual influence over both clubs was the basis for UEFA’s decision. “The panel found that John Textor had shares in CPFC and OL and was a Board member with decisive influence over both clubs at the time of UEFA’s assessment date,” the statement read. The panel also dismissed Palace’s claims of unfair treatment in comparison to Nottingham Forest and Lyon.
Despite the setback, Crystal Palace recently celebrated a significant triumph, winning the Community Shield by defeating Liverpool in a penalty shootout. However, they now face a challenging path in the Conference League, set to play in a two-legged qualifier against either Fredrikstad or FC Midtjylland later this month.
In a further development, Textor has resigned from Lyon’s board, with Michele Kang appointed as chairwoman and president.
Lyon, having finished sixth in Ligue 1, retains its place in the Europa League, while Palace, who ended the Premier League season in 12th, must regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges in the Conference League.
