Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest Demoted in UEFA Multi-Club Ownership Sanctions

Crystal Palace faced a demotion from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League by Uefa due to multi-club ownership rules linked to former owner John Textor's stakes in multiple clubs. Despite Textor having sold his stake in Palace and resigned from Lyon's board, Uefa's decision was based on the ownership situation as of March 1, which reportedly breached regulations. Palace's co-owner Steve Parish criticized the ruling as a significant injustice, while Uefa emphasized adherence to the letter of the law, citing precedent cases such as Drogheda's exclusion for similar reasons. The controversy highlights broader concerns about multi-club ownership in European football, with Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin acknowledging inconsistencies in enforcement. Textor's ownership of four clubs across different countries, including Palace and Lyon, has brought scrutiny on the challenges and fairness of multi-club ownership rules. The situation also impacts other clubs like Nottingham Forest, who remain uncertain about their European competition status amid the ongoing appeals and rulings.