Crystal Palace’s hopes of playing in the Europa League next season have been dealt a significant blow after Lyon’s relegation to Ligue 2 for breaching financial rules was overturned.
The i Paper reported on 30 June that Palace faced expulsion from the Europa League if Lyon’s appeal was successful, an outcome that has now been confirmed by the French Football Federation.
An official Uefa decision on Palace’s fate is expected this week, but Lyon’s reprieve looks likely to demote Palace to the Europa Conference League, Europe’s third-tier tournament.
The Eagles automatically qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May – the club’s first major trophy in 118 years – beating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley.
However, their place in the competition has been in jeopardy while Uefa has conducted an investigation into whether or not they breached its multi-club ownership rules.
American billionaire John Textor’s Eagles Holding Limited had significant stakes in both Palace and Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League after finishing 6th in Ligue 1.
Clubs with the same owners are not allowed to compete in the same European competition.
Textor sold his 43 per cent stake in Palace to New York Jets and Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical heir Woody Johnson last month, as Palace sought to prove their innocence.
Palace argued that Textor’s influence at the club was limited due to the four-way voting requirement of their four owners, which includes chairman Steve Parish.
A Lyon statement read: “Olympique Lyonnais welcomes today’s decision from the DNCG which restores our position in Ligue 1 and is grateful that the appeal commission recognises the ambition of the Club’s new management to ensure a professionalised administration of its affairs going forward.
“The new management, aided by the commitment and dedication of our shareholders and lenders, is extremely grateful for all the support it has received from inside and outside the Club, including from fans, staff, players, partners and elected officials.
“Today’s decision is the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais and we now return our focus to creating success on the pitch, ready for next season.”
More to follow…
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