Nottingham Forest have reportedly voiced their concerns to UEFA over Crystal Palace's qualification for the Europa League.
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Palace beat Man City in the FA Cup finalSecured a spot in the Europa LeagueForest write to UEFAFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the issue revolves around potential violations of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, stemming from Palace’s ownership structure. A final decision on the Eagles' eligibility for the 2025-26 Europa League is expected by the end of June. Palace qualified for the competition by winning the FA Cup last season.
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American businessman John Textor owns approximately 43 per cent of the south London club but also holds a controlling interest in French side Lyon, another club that secured qualification for the Europa League. Under UEFA rules, no two clubs under the same ownership umbrella are allowed to compete in the same European competition to protect integrity.
Palace officials met with UEFA representatives in Nyon last Tuesday for a detailed two-hour discussion, hoping to convince the governing body of their compliance. They have argued that despite Textor’s significant shareholding, he lacks operational influence over the club. He reportedly holds only 25 per cent of voting rights and has no role in daily affairs.
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Should Palace be ruled ineligible, Forest could be next in line for a European spot, having finished seventh in the Premier League last term. Forest have expressed concerns to UEFA over Palace's ownership structure and asked for clarification on whether the Eagles will be involved in next season's Europa League.
Brighton would also be affected by any reshuffle, potentially moving into the Conference League. While there had been whispers that the Seagulls had also submitted a complaint, the Telegraph says that they have not made any formal approach to UEFA.
The complexity of the issue grows with Lyon's status. UEFA had previously disqualified Lyon from European competitions back in December, but reinstated them after the club met specific requirements. However, Lyon remain under close surveillance, and any breach of their settlement terms could again lead to exclusion from next season’s Europa League.
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Forest’s appeal draws on their owner Evangelos Marinakis’s previous actions. Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos, moved his shares into a blind trust to avoid conflicts when the Greek club was in the Champions League running. Forest appear to be suggesting Palace should have taken similar steps if they wished to meet UEFA standards.
UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is expected to deliver a verdict by June 30. However, a final resolution may not come quickly, as any decision could be contested at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which would extend the timeline.