Crystal Palace to meet UEFA officials today to discuss multi-ownership rules

Crystal Palace are set to meet with UEFA officials today (Tuesday) to argue their case for participation in next season's European competition — according to PA news agency.

The Eagles secured a spot in the Europa League after a stunning victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 17, marking the first major trophy win in the club's history.

This victory promised Palace and their supporters a European adventure, but the Premier League side must now convince UEFA's club financial control body (CFCB) that they have not violated its multi-club ownership rules.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

John Textor owns a 43% stake in Palace — through his company — Eagle Football, and is also the owner of French club Lyon, who have also secured a Europa League spot with a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1.

UEFA regulations prohibit any individual from having significant influence over two clubs competing in the same UEFA competition, and the organisation's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) will need to rule on any potential breach.

However, it was reported that Palace are confident they have not broken any rules, as Textor – via Eagle Football – only holds a 25% share of voting rights. This is alongside the other fellow principal owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer and chairman Steve Parish.

Parish, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the club, has previously clashed with Textor, who had attempted to sell his shares and take over Everton.

Crystal Palace are hopeful they can still compete in Europe despite concerns about their influence over Lyon — as Eagle Football lacks decision-making powers at Selhurst Park due to the voting structure. Oliver Glasner's side remains optimistic they'll be eligible for European competition, given the perceived separation between Palace and Lyon.

If Palace cannot convince the CFCB that they've adhered to the rules, Lyon will retain their Europa League spot owing to a superior league position.

At the same time, Brondby, also under Blitzer's ownership, has secured a place in the Europa Conference League. This situation could hinder Palace's chances of entering the Europa Conference League, potentially giving Brighton an advantage.

A failure by Palace to enter the Europa League would automatically bump Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh, up to that competition. Subsequently, Forest's Europa Conference League slot would then fall to the next best-placed Premier League team — which happens to be Brighton in the eighth spot.

A UEFA spokesperson stated: "Please be informed that decisions regarding multi-club ownership cases for the 2025-26 season will be announced in due course during June. We do not comment on individual club cases until an official decision has been made."

The UEFA statement came after last summer when Manchester City and Girona — part of the City Football Group — were green-lighted for Champions League participation, while INEOS-backed Manchester United and Nice were approved for the Europa League slots.