By Irom Daniel
Crystal Palace will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season after losing their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against their demotion from the Europa League. Nottingham Forest will take their place in Europe’s second-tier competition.
The Eagles had booked a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup in May, but UEFA ruled they were in breach of multi-club ownership regulations because majority shareholder John Textor also held shares in French club Lyon, who also qualified for the competition.
Although Textor has since sold his stake in Lyon, the changes came after UEFA’s March 1 deadline. CAS upheld UEFA’s original decision, confirming that Palace will now join the Conference League playoff round later this month.
Club chairman Steve Parish had earlier admitted the situation was “frustrating” and hinted at possible further legal action, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson criticised the ruling, claiming it “devalues the competition” and undermines the team’s achievements on the pitch.
For Nottingham Forest, the ruling means a return to European football. The club had previously raised concerns over Palace’s eligibility with UEFA and will now step into the Europa League group stage draw.
Palace will face the loser of the Europa League qualifier between Fredrikstad of Norway and Midtjylland of Denmark in their Conference League playoff on August 21, with the return leg set for August 24.
The decision deals a blow to Palace’s finances, with the Europa League spot reportedly worth around £20 million in prize money and revenue.
It also raises questions over the club’s transfer and squad plans as they prepare for a demanding season.
