Crystal Palace, Lyon Europa League Spots at Risk Amid Textor Multi-Club Ownership Review

John Textor's ownership of both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais has put Palace's participation in the Europa League at risk due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, which prohibit an individual from exerting decisive influence over multiple clubs in the same European competition. Although Crystal Palace qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, Lyon's successful appeal against relegation in France and their higher league position give them priority for the Europa League spot, potentially demoting Palace to the Conference League. Textor sold his stake in Palace to Woody Johnson but missed UEFA's March 1 deadline to place his shares in a trust, complicating the situation. Textor has denied having decisive control over Crystal Palace, emphasizing his limited involvement in management and player decisions, and expressed frustration at the lack of collaboration between his clubs. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body is expected to decide imminently on Palace's eligibility, with officials still considering whether to penalize the club now that Textor has exited. The final ruling will clarify whether Palace can compete in the Europa League alongside Lyon or face relegation to a lower-tier competition.