Crystal Palace have been expelled from the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League after breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Despite qualifying for the competition through their FA Cup triumph, the club was found to be under the same ownership influence as French side Olympique Lyonnais. UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body concluded that both clubs, controlled by John Textor’s Eagle Football Group as of the cutoff date of 1 March 2025, could not participate in the same competition due to Article 5.01 of UEFA’s regulations.

Lyon, who secured a Europa League spot after avoiding relegation through a successful appeal, were allowed to remain in the competition based on domestic league ranking. Crystal Palace, however, were demoted to the UEFA Conference League and will now begin their campaign in the qualifying rounds this August. The decision has major financial implications, with Palace set to miss out on nearly £4 million in Europa League revenue. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, who adjusted their ownership structure to comply with UEFA rules, have been promoted into Palace’s vacated Europa League slot and could earn up to £24.4 million.

The South London club has announced plans to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Club officials argue that Textor’s influence over football operations was not decisive at both clubs and that Palace earned their European place on sporting merit. However, UEFA maintained that the ownership overlap clearly breached competition integrity standards. If the appeal fails, Palace’s European campaign will continue in the third-tier tournament, far from the spotlight of the Europa League stage they had earned on the pitch.

Fans have reacted with outrage and disappointment. Supporters took to social media to express their frustration, with some describing the ruling as unfair and others questioning the logic of punishing Palace for off-field issues. One Reddit user summed up the mood, writing, “What a shit situation.” The case has reignited debate over UEFA’s handling of multi-club ownership, a growing trend in modern football. For now, Palace must regroup and refocus on their new, less prestigious European journey.

Football fans around the world hoping to see a star-studded clash between Real Madrid and Fluminense will be disappointed. This year’s FIFA Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, will not feature a third place match. The decision, made by FIFA as part of the tournament’s new 32-team format, marks a major break from tradition.

Real Madrid, after a stunning 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and Fluminense, who fell 2-0 to Chelsea, have both been knocked out in the semifinals. In previous years, these two sides would have met one more time to compete for third place. But this time, they are heading home early, with no chance to end the tournament on a high.

FIFA says the change was made with player welfare in mind. With long seasons, looming domestic league campaigns, and the summer transfer window in full swing, the organization believes it is best to allow teams to return to their regular schedules without the added pressure of a consolation game. The goal, they say, is to reduce fatigue and focus on quality over quantity.

Not everyone is pleased. Many fans were eager to see Real Madrid face Fluminense, a match that would have delivered not just entertainment but a final moment of pride for both clubs. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with some calling the decision understandable and others saying it takes away from the full experience of a world tournament.

With the third place match scrapped, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s final between Chelsea and PSG. It is the last fixture of this new-look Club World Cup and promises to be a high-stakes showdown. For Real Madrid and Fluminense, the journey ends here, not with one last match, but with the memories of what might have been.

Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final after a commanding 4–0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night at the Parc des Princes. The French champions stunned the Spanish giants with a first-half blitz, featuring two goals from Fabián Ruiz and one from Ousmane Dembélé. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the result late in the second half.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated proceedings from the start, overwhelming Madrid with high-pressing, fluid attacking moves and clinical finishing. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree, looked out of sorts and failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.

The result sets up a mouthwatering clash between PSG and Chelsea, who defeated Palmeiras in the other semi-final. The two European heavyweights will meet on Sunday in what will be PSG’s first appearance in a Club World Cup final.

Chelsea will be looking to lift the trophy for the second time in their history, while PSG will be aiming to crown their recent European resurgence with their first global title.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, 13 July, with venue and match details expected to be confirmed by FIFA shortly.