UEFA Demotes Palace After FA Cup Europa Win

UEFA has demoted Crystal Palace from the Europa League to the third-tier Conference League for the 2025-26 season after finding that John Textor's ownership stakes in both Palace and Lyon violated multi-club ownership rules. Crystal Palace had qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, while Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 and successfully appealed against relegation, were given precedence due to their higher league finish. UEFA regulations prevent two clubs with shared ownership from participating in the same European competition, resulting in Lyon retaining their Europa League spot. Nottingham Forest, seventh in the Premier League, are expected to take Palace’s Europa League place. Palace have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The case highlights UEFA’s ongoing enforcement of integrity rules amid the rise of multi-club ownership.