A group of motivated and aggrieved Crystal Palace supporters staged a stunning protest at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
After UEFA demoted Palace to the Conference League, they flew out to Nyon and hand-delivered a letter and a briefcase full of fake cash.
They also lodged an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge UEFA’s decision to revoke their privilege of playing in the Europa League.
UEFA Demotes Crystal Palace From Europa League to Conference League
In May, Crystal Palace won their first-ever major trophy, beating the mighty Manchester City in the FA Cup final. In addition to ending their trophy drought, Palace also booked themselves a place in the prestigious UEFA Europa League.
However, their joy was short-lived, as doubts began to creep in about their Europa participation. Crystal Palace are one of the 16 Premier League clubs in a multi-club system. Their American co-owner, John Textor, had ties with French club Lyon, which also qualified for the Europa League.
As per UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, no entity or person can have influence over two clubs in a competition. Textor could have avoided it by proving compliance by March 1, but he did not foresee Palace winning the FA Cup.
The protests will continue. pic.twitter.com/OtrPeAU1yM
— Holmesdale Fanatics (@ultrascpfc) July 22, 2025
Crystal Palace finished 12th in the Premier League, while Lyon came 6th in Ligue 1. Lyon were facing relegation due to financial irregularities, but they won their appeal, jeopardising Palace’s Europa fate.
Between the multi-club ownership complications and Lyon’s better league performance, Palace have suffered a brutal penalty. In a recent ruling, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) has demoted the Eagles to the Conference League.
Nottingham Forest are likely to benefit from Palace’s demotion. Courtesy of their seventh-placed finish, they could take Palace’s place in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace Ultras Deliver Fake Cash to UEFA Headquarters
Last week, hundreds of Palace supporters gathered outside Selhurst Park to protest against UEFA’s ruling. On Tuesday, July 22, a few members belonging to Palace ultras Holmesdale Fanatics reached UEFA’s HQ in Nyon.
They accessed the building to hand-deliver a letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. The fans also dropped a briefcase full of fake money.
As per a statement from the fan group, fake cash represented “the contradictions between their supposed ‘fundamental values’ of integrity and fairness, and the reality of their business methods and general conduct.”
— Holmesdale Fanatics (@ultrascpfc) July 22, 2025
Speaking to the Independent, Holmesdale Fanatics member Mick Grafton explained their bold step:
“We travelled to Switzerland to represent all Palace supporters in this fight against a morally unjust decision from UEFA and to demonstrate the public mood demands this ruling is overturned and justice is served.”
After their protest at UEFA HQ, they went to CAS to appeal against the decision. Outside of CAS’ building in Laussane, Palace fans unfurled a banner, reading “Give Us What We Earned.”
CAS have confirmed the receipt of Palace’s appeal. The Court will deliver its ruling by August 11.
Amid European uncertainty, Palace must continue to prepare for their FA Community Shield against Liverpool on August 10.
