)
Despite winning the FA Cup, Crystal Palace faces expulsion from European competitions
It was supposed to be the culmination of a fairytale season. A historic first FA Cup triumph secured the Eagles a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League.
Instead of celebrations, however, the club faces the threat of expulsion from the competition due to its ownership structure.
)
18:15 - 31.05.2025
Eberechi Eze: Eagles star has Igbo-themed wedding in London
Crystal Palace Star Eberechi Eze Celebrates Nigerian Igbo Roots with Traditional Wedding in London.
At the center of the controversy is American investor John Textor, who owns a 43% stake in the South London club and is one of its most influential figures. He is also the majority owner of French side Olympique Lyon.
This hasn't been an issue in recent years, as Crystal Palace haven't qualified for European competition.
Now that they have, UEFA regulations have become a significant hurdle.
)
13:00 - 31.05.2025
Arsenal and Man United Clash in £67m Battle for Two Top Strikers
Arsenal and Manchester United are battling in the transfer market over two top strikers valued at £67 million combined.
One such rule states, “No one may be simultaneously involved, whether directly or indirectly, in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition."
Investors with a contingency plan
Even a move to the UEFA Europa Conference League might not solve the problem. Another co-owner of the English club, David Blitzer, has significant ties to European football, owning stakes in Danish club Brøndby, which could qualify for European competition through the qualifying rounds.
)
17:00 - 24.05.2025
28 Goals & 18 Assists: Why There Was Only One Real Choice for Player of the Season
A dominant Premier League season sees one standout player earn top honors after a record-breaking performance in goals and assists.
In an attempt to comply with UEFA regulations, Textor and Blitzer tried to transfer their shares into blind trust funds – structures where control is handed over to third parties.
This solution has been used in the past by Manchester City and Manchester United when their partner clubs, Girona FC (City) and OGC Nice (United), were involved in European competitions.
)
17:51 - 21.05.2025
Mr Eazi celebrates FA Cup win: Nigerian Afrobeats star teams up with Eddie Nketiah
Nigerian Afrobeats star Mr Eazi celebrates Crystal Palace FA Cup win with Eddie Nketiah.
However, UEFA reacted strongly in Crystal Palace's case. The request for this maneuver was submitted late and was rejected.
The consequence? They now face complete exclusion from European competitions in the 2025/26 season.
17:00 - 24.05.2025
28 Goals & 18 Assists: Why There Was Only One Real Choice for Player of the Season
A dominant Premier League season sees one standout player earn top honors after a record-breaking performance in goals and assists.
Textor expressed disappointment but also a willingness to find a compromise, "The whole of Britain knows I don't have decisive influence at Palace. We are trying to divest, to sell. That's about all I can say about it," he admitted to the Daily Mail.
Will UEFA take a harder line?
Crystal Palace isn't the only club whose ownership structure raises questions. The City Football Group umbrella includes several clubs alongside Manchester City, which has led to ownership adjustments in the past to circumvent restrictions.
It seems, however, that UEFA is tightening its grip. The Crystal Palace case could set a precedent. If a quick solution isn't found, such as the sale of shares, the club will have to watch the Europa League from the stands.
This would be a bitter pill to swallow after the greatest achievement in club history.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)