Crystal Palace Fans Protest UEFA Europa League Demotion Over Ownership Rules

Crystal Palace was barred from participating in the upcoming Europa League after UEFA ruled that American co-owner John Textor's ownership stakes in both Palace and French club Lyon violated multi-club ownership rules. Despite Palace qualifying through their historic FA Cup win, they missed the March 1 deadline to prove that Textor did not exert control over both clubs in the same competition, leading UEFA to prioritize Lyon's qualification. In response, hundreds of Palace supporters marched to Selhurst Park in protest, calling the decision a "terrible injustice" and urging UEFA to reinstate the club. Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the ruling as a "bad day for football" and said the club was locked out on a "ridiculous technicality." Textor is in the process of selling his Palace shares to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and has stepped down as Lyon president but remains a co-owner. Palace is expected to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while Nottingham Forest are set to replace them in the Europa League.