Crystal Palace Kicked Out Of Europa League And Dropped Into Conference League Over Ownership Conflict

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.