Crystal Palace’s chances of competing in the Europa League next season have been cast into doubt after UEFA rejected a proposal from the club’s owners to place their shares in a blind trust. The proposal aimed to address concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to co-owner John Textor’s majority stake in Lyon, which has also qualified for the Europa League.
The rejection comes after Palace executives, including Textor and chairman Steve Parish, met with UEFA officials in Nyon to discuss possible solutions. Despite the efforts, UEFA maintained that the club missed the deadline for registering the trust, and the governing body is unwilling to grant flexibility.
UEFA’s rules state that ownership changes must take place before March 1st to be effective for the following season. This deadline has proven insurmountable for Palace, which did not anticipate European qualification until their FA Cup win. The club’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League also meant that European qualification was not a priority until the FA Cup triumph.
Textor, who owns a 45% stake in Palace and has 25% equal voting rights, has expressed his intention to sell his stake in the club. However, a sale is unlikely to materialize in time to influence UEFA’s decision, with the Europa League qualifying draw scheduled for June 17th. Textor’s stake in Lyon, which he acquired in 2022, has been the primary concern for UEFA, given the potential for conflicts of interest between the two clubs.
The potential consequences of Palace’s exclusion from the Europa League are significant. Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League, could take Palace’s place, while Brighton, who finished eighth, might replace Forest in the Conference League. This scenario would have significant implications for all three clubs, with Palace potentially missing out on substantial revenue and European experience.
UEFA’s decision is based on regulations that prohibit individuals or entities from having control or influence over more than one club participating in UEFA competitions. The governing body’s rules are designed to ensure the integrity and fairness of European competitions, and Palace’s situation highlights the complexities and challenges of multi-club ownership.
In light of the rejection, Palace may need to explore alternative options to demonstrate that Textor has no influence over the club’s decision-making processes. However, given Textor’s significant stake and voting rights, it may be challenging for the club to convince UEFA that he has no influence. The situation remains uncertain, with Palace’s participation in the Europa League hanging precariously in the balance.
The outcome will have significant implications for the club, its fans, and the wider football community. As the situation develops, Palace will need to navigate the complexities of UEFA’s regulations and work towards a solution that ensures their participation in European competitions.
