Crystal Palace to play Conference League, as CAS upholds UEFA decision

Crystal Palace will play in the UEFA Conference League next season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA’s decision to remove them from the Europa League over a breach of multi-club ownership rules.

The Eagles, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May, had appealed UEFA’s July 11 ruling that found American businessman John Textor held “control or influence” over both Palace and French club Olympique Lyonnais as of March 1.

Under UEFA regulations, clubs under the same owner or with major influence from the same individual cannot compete in the same European competition.

Despite a 10-hour hearing in Lausanne on Friday, CAS dismissed Palace’s appeal, confirming Nottingham Forest are expected to take their place in the Europa League.

A CAS statement read: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal by Crystal Palace FC (CPFC) against UEFA, Nottingham Forest FC and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) concerning a decision by UEFA to remove CPFC from the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 due to a breach of UEFA multi-club ownership regulations. As a result, CPFC will be admitted to compete in the UEFA Conference League 2025/26.”

The verdict comes despite Textor selling his Palace stake in late July to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Palace chairman Steve Parish previously hinted the club would explore further legal avenues if the ruling went against them, and sources indicate the club is considering legal claims for damages.

The ruling means Palace will now face a two-legged Conference League play-off against the loser of the Europa League qualifier between Fredrikstad and Midtjylland.

The first leg will be played at Selhurst Park on August 21, with the return leg on August 28.