Palace Appeals UEFA Demotion, Forest Set for Spot

Crystal Palace have confirmed they will appeal UEFA's decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules involving former stakeholder John Textor, who also controlled French club Lyon. UEFA's ruling, which was based on ownership as of the end of last season, declared Palace ineligible for the Europa League and is expected to award their spot to Nottingham Forest. Despite Textor selling his Palace shares and resigning from Lyon, club chairman Steve Parish argues Palace has a strong legal case and criticizes UEFA's decision as unjust. Fans have staged protests at Selhurst Park, launched a petition with thousands of signatures, and denounced UEFA's ruling as morally bankrupt. The club's appeal will proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Palace hope to overturn the decision. The controversy has intensified debate over UEFA's multi-club ownership rules and their effect on clubs' European aspirations.