Crystal Palace demoted to Conference League amid ownership controversy

In July 2025, UEFA, the governing body of European football, announced that Crystal Palace would be demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League, following their violations of multi-club ownership regulations. This decision stemmed from co-owner John Textor holding a majority stake of 77% in Lyon, which conflicted with UEFA rules that prohibit an individual or entity from having control or influence over multiple clubs in the same competition. Palace's qualification for the Europa League came from winning the FA Cup, but the uncertainties around ownership made their participation puzzling. Notably, the reinstatement of Lyon in Ligue 1 complicated matters further, reinforcing the decision to exclude Palace in favor of clubs with clearer ownership structures. The situation unfolded as the club's status was thrown into jeopardy after Textor’s sale of a significant stake in Palace to Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, which was intended to lessen conflicts of interest. However, this sale occurred post the March 1 deadline set by UEFA to resolve such ownership issues, which thwarted Palace’s attempts to retain their Europa League spot. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League, is likely to take Palace’s place in the Europa League as a result of this ruling. Crystal Palace has stated their intention to appeal the UEFA decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which potentially leaves open the possibility of a reversal of UEFA's ruling. The organization's regulations regarding multi-club ownership have been a source of controversy, especially in light of similar ownership situations in football that have gone unchallenged. This incident reflects the debates surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of UEFA's regulations, as numerous football clubs navigate complex ownership arrangements that could be construed as conflicts of interest. The overarching narrative here is one of confusion and frustration among clubs and fans. Many stakeholders in the football community argue that unjust governance undermines the integrity of the sport. UEFA, faced with mounting scrutiny and the necessity to uphold its regulations, finds itself orchestrating a delicate balance between financial interests and the principles of fair competition. Football’s power dynamics, particularly concerning ownership stakes and competition integrity, continue to evolve, and this moment signifies both a challenge to existing policies and a critical juncture for Crystal Palace as they chart a future amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty.