The Crystal Palace Europa League participation – a prize they got for winning the FA Cup – is now firmly in the balance after French side Lyon won their relegation appeal to remain in Ligue 1.
Lyon Win Relegation Appeal To Remain In Ligue 1
Due to financial issues, the seven-time French champions Lyon were in danger of being relegated to Ligue 2 – despite finishing sixth in the table last season (2024/25).
The French watchdog – the DNCG – imposed a possible Lyon relegation due to financial irregularities.
However, Lyon appealed this – and it was announced on Wednesday the French side won this challenge and will remain in Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season.
This is, of course, good news for Lyon – who can now also play in the Europa League next season.
Lyon Remaining In Ligue 1 a Blow For Crystal Palace’s Europa League Hopes
But this news is a blow for Crystal Palace, as their ongoing ‘multi-club’ ownership wranglings continue.
With the UEFA ownership rules stating that clubs from the same ownership can’t compete in the same European competitions.
American billionaire John Textor had interests in both sides – and is Palace’s largest shareholder. But has since agreed to sell his Eagles shares to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
It’s understood this purchase is near completion, but Johnson has to pass the Premier League owners’ and directors’ test before it can all be legally agreed.
Textor also announced last week that he resigned from his leadership responsibilities at Lyon – with Michael Gerlinger now the chief executive and Washington Spirit and London City Lionesses owner Michele Kang as the chair and president.
Kang has believed to have spearheaded Lyon’s relegation appeal – and it’s thought the French side have made a ‘austerity plan’ to sort their finances out and were asked to raise €200m to help Lyon remain in Ligue 1.
Crystal Palace Unlikely To Be Allowed To Move Into The Europa Conference League
Palace’s fate of playing in Europe now rests with another UEFA decision.
With the Eagles stating from the start that John Textor wasn’t in control of the day-to-day runnings of the club.
It’s believed the Club Financial Control Body, that deals with multi-club ownership, will give a decision on Palace’s Europa League participation this week.
Lyon were handed a €12.5m fine by UEFA for their financial breach – but cleared if they were moved back up to Ligue 1 and won their appeal – which they have.
Palace, who returned to pre-season training this week, are hoping to join Aston Villa in the Europa League – the competition Tottenham won last season.
There has also been talk of the Eagles moving down to the Europa Conference League to join Nottingham Forest.
However, in an added twist another Palace co-owner David Blitzer also has an interest in Danish side Brondby, who are in that competition too.
If Palace aren’t allowed into any European competitions this season, it’s believed they will appeal to the court of arbitration of sport.
Which Teams Will Benefit If Crystal Palace Lose Their Europa League Place?
The other big question surrounding the Crystal Palace Europa League saga.
Is which clubs will benefit if the Eagles can’t play in Europe next season?
Firstly, Nottingham Forest, who have already qualified for the Europa Conference League – would go up to the Europa League.
Forest finished 7th in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.
Then – look away now Palace fans.
As the big story would be Palace’s rivals Brighton getting European football as a result of the Eagles not being allowed to play in the Europa League.
Brighton finished 8th in the Premier League, but with Forest moving up to the Europa – the Seagulls to take their Europa Conference League slot.
If Crystal Palace Can’t Play In The Europa League
- Nottingham Forest ➡️ Europa League
- Brighton ➡️ Europa Conference League
