Crystal Palace Plans Stake Sale to Secure Europa League Spot

Crystal Palace is actively seeking to resolve a potential UEFA ownership conflict that threatens their participation in the Europa League next season due to co-owner John Textor's majority stake in French club Lyon. Textor, who owns 43% of Palace through Eagle Football Group, is considering offers to sell his stake, with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and a consortium including NBA star Jimmy Butler among the interested parties. UEFA rules prohibit two clubs with common ownership from competing in the same European tournament, and although Textor has limited day-to-day influence at Palace, this has not yet satisfied UEFA. Palace qualified for Europe by winning the FA Cup, but Nottingham Forest has challenged their Europa League spot, raising the stakes of the dispute. While UEFA is expected to announce a decision by the end of June, the case could be delayed if taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Textor's willingness to sell at a price reportedly lower than previous valuations is seen as a last-ditch effort to secure Palace's European campaign and avoid exclusion.