Crystal Palace have been disqualified from participating in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League following a breach of the European football governing body’s multi-club ownership regulations.
The decision, announced on Friday, comes after an investigation by UEFA into Eagle Football Holdings, which holds significant shares in both Crystal Palace and French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais. Under UEFA rules, two clubs with the same ownership structure are not permitted to compete in the same European competition.
Despite securing their Europa League place by winning the FA Cup, Crystal Palace will now drop to the UEFA Europa Conference League. Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League, are expected to take their place in the more prestigious Europa League.
UEFA stated that while Palace argued that American investor John Textor, the owner of Eagle Football Holdings, does not exert decisive control at the London club, the body found otherwise. The ruling can be appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The situation was further complicated by Lyon’s recent legal victory overturning their relegation over financial irregularities. That decision ensured Lyon retained their Ligue 1 status and their Europa League qualification, effectively pushing Crystal Palace out.
UEFA had given all clubs until March 1, 2025, to resolve any ownership conflicts. Palace’s failure to comply within the deadline ultimately led to their exclusion.
As a result, England will now be represented in the Europa League by Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, while Crystal Palace settle for a place in the Europa Conference League.
