Official | Lyon to compete in the Europa League, Crystal Palace demoted to the Conference League | OneFootball

Lyon’s Europa League spot has been confirmed this Friday by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body. Les Gones qualified for Europe’s second-tier tournament after finishing sixth in the Ligue 1 standings. Lyon also benefited from PSG’s Coupe de France win. UEFA previously opened proceedings against Lyon and Premier League side Crystal Palace due to a potential conflict.

Lyon majority owner John Textor also owns a 45% share in Crystal Palace, as long as the Premier League does not confirm the sale of his share to American businessman Robert Wood Johnson. Given Lyon have won their appeal in front of the DNCG on Wednesday, UEFA will not exclude the Ligue 1 from their competitions.

However, UEFA adds that both clubs have breached, as at 1 March 2025, “the multiclub ownership criteria foreseen in Art 5.01 of the UEFA Club Competition Regulations.” Given Crystal Palace have finished in a lower league position than Lyon, the Eagles have been demoted to the Conference League, whereas Lyon’s admission in the Europa League has been accepted.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval