CAS dismisses appeal, Crystal Palace to play in UEFA Conference League

Crystal Palace’s Europa League hopes have ended after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA’s ruling on multi-club ownership violations. The decision confirms that Palace will compete in the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League, while Nottingham Forest take their place in the Europa League.

CAS Upholds UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

The controversy began after Crystal Palace secured a Europa League spot by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season. However, UEFA intervened, citing a breach of multi-club ownership rules. Businessman John Textor, a minority shareholder in Palace also owns a majority stake in French side Olympique Lyonnais, who qualified for the Europa League via Ligue 1.

Related News: Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League over multi-club ownership breach

UEFA regulations prevent clubs with shared ownership structures from competing in the same European competition in the same season. As Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1, higher in their domestic table than Palace’s 12th-place Premier League finish, UEFA awarded Lyon the Europa League slot and demoted Palace to the Conference League.

Nottingham Forest benefit from Ruling

With Palace removed from the Europa League, seventh-placed Nottingham Forest will now step up to compete in the tournament. Forest’s unexpected promotion to the Europa League marks a significant opportunity for the club to test itself against higher-profile European opposition.

Palace’s Statement and Next Steps

Although disappointed with CAS’s verdict, Crystal Palace will now focus on their Conference League qualifying playoff, scheduled for later this month. The club recently lifted the Community Shield, defeating Liverpool in a penalty shootout, providing a morale boost before their European campaign begins.

UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Rule Explained

UEFA introduced the multi-club ownership rule to protect competition integrity, preventing conflicts of interest when two clubs with linked ownership structures meet in the same competition. This rule has grown in importance as global investors increasingly acquire stakes in multiple football clubs.

Key Dates for Crystal Palace’s Conference League Journey

• Conference League Playoff Round: Late August 2025
• Group Stage Draw: September 2025
• Final: May 2026

Palace fans will be hoping their club can make the most of the Conference League opportunity, while Forest and Lyon prepare for a competitive Europa League campaign.