Forest Seek Uefa Clarity Over Palace’s Europa League Spot Amid Ownership Rules

Forest Ask Uefa for Clarity on Palace’s Europa League Qualification

Nottingham Forest have requested official clarification from Uefa over Crystal Palace’s Europa League spot, citing concerns over a potential breach of the governing body’s multi-club ownership rules.

Crystal Palace qualified for European competition for the first time in their history by winning the FA Cup, but their place is now under scrutiny due to shared ownership links with Ligue 1 side Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League.

Ownership Complication: The Textor Factor

The case revolves around John Textor, an American businessman whose Eagle Football Group owns:

• 43% of Crystal Palace

• 77% of Lyon

Uefa regulations prohibit one individual or entity from holding “majority shareholder voting rights” at more than one club participating in the same European tournament to avoid potential conflict of interest or collusion.

Given Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1—a higher domestic finish than Palace’s 12th-place Premier League standing—they would have priority if Uefa rules Palace ineligible for the competition.

Forest’s Position

Forest, who finished 7th in the Premier League and qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off round, could be promoted to the Europa League if Palace are barred.

Forest have already taken precautionary action, with owner Evangelos Marinakis diluting his stake to comply with Uefa’s adjusted 1 March deadline for declaring ownership structures. At the time, Marinakis also controlled Olympiakos and Rio Ave, both of whom had European qualification prospects.

Palace Defend Their Case

Palace argue their qualification was based entirely on sporting merit, stating that:

• They operate independently from Lyon.

• There has been no sharing of staff, strategy, sponsorships, or scouting systems.

• Textor has no operational input despite his minority stake.

Nonetheless, Uefa must interpret whether a 43% stake, albeit without direct control, qualifies under its rules.

Why the Timing Matters

This situation is unique compared to past cases involving Manchester City, Brighton, or Manchester United, as Palace did not address ownership compliance before the 1 March deadline.

That date was brought forward from June because Uefa lacked sufficient time to process late declarations before early qualification rounds begin in July.

Forest complied early, while Palace were still in the midst of a historic FA Cup run and had not secured qualification by March, potentially contributing to their inaction.

Potential Fallout

If Uefa rules against Palace and awards the Europa League spot to Lyon, Forest would move into the Europa League, while another club could enter the Europa Conference League play-offs.

Palace, Lyon, or any affected club would have the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)—which previously upheld a FIFA ruling excluding Mexican club León from the Club World Cup under similar ownership rules.

Conclusion

This developing case could set a critical precedent for multi-club ownership in European competitions. With the Europa League and Conference League qualification rounds fast approaching, Uefa’s decision—expected soon—could reshape the English clubs’ continental representation.