Crystal Palace have taken UEFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a dramatic bid to overturn their demotion from the Europa League to the UEFA Conference League.
The Crystal Palace CAS Europa League appeal comes after UEFA ruled that the club breached multi-club ownership rules due to links between Palace owner John Textor and fellow Europa League qualifiers Olympique Lyon. The Eagles are demanding reinstatement to the Europa League — in place of either Nottingham Forest or Lyon.
CAS confirmed on Tuesday that a fast-tracked appeal is now underway, with a final decision expected by August 11, just before the start of the European season.
Why Palace Were Demoted by UEFA
UEFA rules prohibit two clubs owned by the same person or entity with “decisive influence” from playing in the same European competition. While John Textor later sold his 43% stake in Palace to Woody Johnson, the sale occurred after UEFA’s March 1 ownership compliance deadline.
Palace qualified for the Europa League by winning the 2025 FA Cup, but with Lyon also earning a spot in the same competition, UEFA’s financial control body ruled against the Eagles.
“This is one of the greatest injustices in European football,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish. — Crystal Palace FC
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1 | UEFA deadline for ownership restructuring passed |
| May 17 | Palace win FA Cup, securing Europa League spot |
| Post-May | Textor sells Palace shares to Woody Johnson — after UEFA deadline |
| July 11 | UEFA confirms Palace demoted to Conference League |
| July 23 | Palace launch CAS appeal |
| August 11 | Final CAS ruling expected |
Who Could Replace Palace?
If Palace fail in their appeal, Nottingham Forest are expected to be awarded the Europa League spot, per UEFA Regulation 4.10, which states that disqualified clubs are replaced by the next-best-placed team in the same domestic league.
Forest finished just outside the European places last season and would benefit directly if Palace’s demotion is upheld.
Analyst Verdict
Crystal Palace’s legal team face an uphill battle. While the intent to comply with UEFA’s ownership rules was eventually clear, the timing is everything.
UEFA will likely argue they were enforcing a black-and-white regulation with a fixed deadline. Palace’s emotional defence and claims of injustice may sway public opinion, but CAS typically favours procedural compliance over moral fairness.
Still, the fact that Lyon’s demotion (and later reinstatement) has complicated the ownership landscape could give Palace’s lawyers a narrow window to challenge the consistency of UEFA’s decision.
Key Insights
- Palace appealing UEFA’s Europa League demotion to CAS
- Club punished for failing to meet multi-club ownership deadline
- Steve Parish says the ruling is a “huge injustice”
- CAS will deliver a verdict by August 11
- Nottingham Forest or Lyon may take Palace’s place in Europa League
What’s Next?
CAS will now hear evidence from Crystal Palace, UEFA, Lyon and Nottingham Forest. The case will move quickly, and a ruling is expected within 18 days.
If Palace win, they’ll return to the Europa League. If they lose, they’ll drop into the Conference League — and UEFA could face more pressure over their ownership compliance rules.
Should UEFA show flexibility in cases like Palace’s — or stick strictly to their multi-club deadlines?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 23 Jul 2025 10:58
They can appeal whatever they want, this won't change the outcome.
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