Crystal Palace’s historic qualification for the UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final is under threat due to UEFA’s strict multi-club ownership rules.
UEFA regulations prohibit any individual or entity from having control or significant influence over more than one club participating in the same European competition.
This rule is meant to preserve the integrity and fairness of UEFA tournaments.
Two of Crystal Palace’s key shareholders are now at the center of the controversy:
John Textor, who owns 45% of Crystal Palace, is also the majority owner of French club Olympique Lyonnais, which has also qualified for the Europa League.
David Blitzer, who holds an 18% stake in Palace, has major investment ties with Brøndby IF of Denmark, a club set to compete in the Europa Conference League.
“In an attempt to comply with UEFA regulations,” the article explains, “Textor and Blitzer proposed transferring their shares in Crystal Palace to a blind trust,” a method UEFA has previously approved.
However, because the proposed changes came after UEFA’s March 1 deadline, the governing body rejected the arrangement.
Should UEFA stick firmly to its rules, Palace may be barred from participating in the Europa League.
In that scenario, Nottingham Forest, who finished higher in the Premier League, could take their place, with Brighton possibly moving into the Europa Conference League.
Textor has said he plans to sell his stake in Palace to resolve the conflict.
But whether that deal can be completed before the Europa League draw on June 17, 2025, remains uncertain.
