Uefa delays decision on Crystal Palace's Europa League fate
- Uefa announced it needs more time to determine Crystal Palace's eligibility for the Europa League due to ownership rules.
- Lyon's relegation appeal impacts the potential entry of both clubs into the competition.
- Clarification on Uefa's decision and ownership issues will be critical for Crystal Palace's future in European football.
In France, Uefa has announced that it requires more time to decide whether Crystal Palace will be admitted to the Europa League for the upcoming season. This situation stems from Palace's recent FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May, which had initially secured them a spot in the competition. However, complications arose when concerns were raised about potential multi-club ownership, as John Textor, the outgoing shareholder of Palace, also has a stake in the French club Lyon. Lyon had qualified for the same UEFA competition, sparking issues related to ownership regulations that Uefa must evaluate. Uefa had previously indicated that if the DNCG decision to relegate Lyon due to financial difficulties is upheld, then their participation in the Europa League is in jeopardy. Lyon's ability to compete hinges on the outcome of their appeal against this relegation. Last week, it was publicly revealed that John Textor will sell his share in Crystal Palace to Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets. Textor has also resigned from his leadership positions at Lyon following this announcement. The crux of the issue lies in Uefa's article five, which stipulates that clubs aiming for entry into the same competition must not be under the control or influence of a single individual or entity. Since only one club can be admitted if the criteria are not met, Uefa's ruling could affect both clubs significantly. The statement from Lyon indicated that their participation in the Europa League may proceed contingent upon a favorable outcome from their appeal process, highlighting how intertwined the fates of both clubs are. At this point, there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding the implications of the appeal process and the ownership situation. Crystal Palace awaits Uefa's clarification, hoping that their case meets the necessary criteria for eligibility regardless of Lyon's status. Though steps have been taken to distance the ownership conflation due to Textor's departure from Palace, the resolution of this ownership overlapping remains a vital component in Uefa's decision-making process. The eventual outcome will determine if both teams can compete in the Europa League or not.