If Crystal Palace Lose Their Europa League Place Which Teams Will Benefit? 4y502u

Crystal Palace ended a 164-year wait for a major trophy when winning the 2025 FA Cup and with that came a slot in the 2025/26 Europa League. However, due to UEFA rules over multi-club ownership – the Eagles are now facing a fight to keep their European place for next season. 

Why Is Crystal Palace’s Europa League Place In Doubt? 1e51z

One of the co-owners of Crystal Palace – John Textor – also has an involvement in French side Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 and also qualified for the Europa League.

However, under UEFA rules around multi-club ownership, the Eagles will now have to convince their Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) that Textor is not breaking any guidelines. Which would allow both Crystal Palace and Lyon to compete in the Europa League.

American billionaire John Textor is the largest stakeholder at Palace and holds a bigger interest than Steve Parish, who runs the day-to-day operations at the South London club.

But, he also owns French side Lyon.

The UEFA ownership rules state that clubs from the same ownership can’t participate in the same competition. And if this scenario arises it’s the team that had the highest league position that gets the place.

Lyon Finished Higher Than Palace In Their League  2p2s

In this case, despite winning the FA Cup – which also comes with a Europa League place. Palace finished 12th in the Premier League, with Lyon 7th.

Meaning Lyon, with the higher league finish, would hold the aces.

Palace officials are reported to be in talks with UEFA this week to try and resolve the issue and have stated they remain confident of a positive outcome.

Textor owns 43% of Palace via his Eagle Football Group – and has only 25% of the voting share, which is the same as the other shareholders.

With UEFA saying that an individual having the majority of the shareholders’ voting rights is against their rules.

It’s also reported that Parish and Textor’s relationship is on thin ice, with the American making it no secret that he’s been looking to sell his share.

WATCH: Crystal Palace Booking Their Europa League Place By Winning The FA Cup 5y561k

 

Which Teams Will Benefit If Crystal Palace Lose Their Europa League Place? 2e5e41

The other big question surrounding the Crystal Palace Europa League saga.

Is which clubs will benefit if the Eagles are thrown out?

Firstly, Nottingham Forest, who have already qualified for the Europa Conference League – would move up to the Europa League.

Forest finished 7th in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

Then – look away now Eagles fans.

As the big story would be Palace’s bitter rivals Brighton getting European football as a result of Palace being ejected from 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 Leave The Europa League 176b5j

Could Palace Drop Into The Europa Conference League Instead? 6e2p32

With all this Europa League doubt surrounding Palace, some fans are also asking if they lose their place to Lyon – could they just drop into the Europa Conference League?

Well, the short answer here is NO.

This is because to add further confusion to the situation, John Textor also owns Danish club Brondby. As they are already in the Europa Conference League after finishing third in their league.

Therefore, it’s Europa League or bust for Crystal Palace, who will also face Premier League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield on August 9th.

WATCH: Could Crystal Palace’s Europa League Place Be In Jeopardy? 711x64

What Other English Premier League Teams Qualified For Europe? 5m366w

With the 2024/25 season now over – here are the sides that have qualified for Europe next season.