Crystal Palace will have to wait a little longer to find out if they will be competing in next season’s Europa League after UEFA delayed their decision until after Lyon’s appeal against their Ligue 1 relegation.
The South London club secured a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup, but UEFA rules prohibit two clubs with the same ownership structure from participating in the same European competition.
Palace’s case has been complicated by co-owner John Textor, who also owns a controlling interest in the French side.
To help Palace’s eligibility, Textor has committed to selling his 44% stake in the club. Despite this move, UEFA has held off on a final ruling, with an announcement originally expected on Monday now postponed.
Adding to the uncertainty is Lyon’s relegation to Ligue 2, enforced by the French football authorities due to the club’s financial instability.
Lyon has confirmed it will appeal the decision, and has agreed to forfeit its place in the Europa League if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Will they?Won’t they?
Crystal Palace are still awaiting news as to whether they can compete in next season’s Europa League.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 30, 2025
As a result, UEFA has chosen to await the outcome of that appeal process before confirming whether Palace can participate in European competition next season. The governing body has said that updates will be provided “in due course.”
If cleared to compete, Crystal Palace would go straight into the group stage, beginning in September.
Meanwhile, Textor has begun the process of selling his Palace shares to Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets.
Textor has already stepped down from a leadership position at Lyon and will be distancing himself from the club’s day-to-day operations. Textor still holds a 77% stake in the French side.
Lyon’s financial issues became more apparent in October, when Textor’s Eagle Football Group disclosed that the club was carrying £422 million in debt.
Following their enforced relegation, Lyon issued a strongly worded statement criticising the decision, calling it “incomprehensible” and confirming they would lodge an appeal.
