Crystal Palace await CAS ruling as Glasner pushes for Europa League return | OneFootball

Glasner Believes Crystal Palace Are Destined for Europa League Despite UEFA Hurdle

Optimism Reigns Ahead of Key CAS Verdict

In the face of legal uncertainty and sluggish transfer dealings, Oliver Glasner remains unflinching. The Crystal Palace manager is convinced that his team will take its rightful place in the Europa League this season, even as the club’s appeal against UEFA’s ruling edges towards a decisive verdict.

Palace’s triumph in last season’s FA Cup secured European qualification, but it came with a catch. UEFA, citing multi-club ownership regulations, relegated the Eagles to the Europa Conference League. At the heart of the issue lies John Textor, whose investments in both Palace and French side Lyon raised eyebrows in Nyon.

The club, however, has not taken the decision lying down. A hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is scheduled for 8 August, with Glasner eager for clarity—and justice. “We are waiting for the final decision, but we still are confident that we will be successful and that we will play Europa League,” Glasner told Sky Sports. “August 11, we will know the decision and then we will start to prepare for Europe.”

Photo: IMAGO

Focus Unwavering Amid Off-Pitch Distraction

For all the legal wrangling, Glasner insists his squad has not been distracted. Pre-season, he says, has been shaped by what happens on the pitch, not in the boardroom or courtroom. “We didn’t really talk about it. We were focusing on the things we could influence, and we have no influence over the decision from UEFA, we don’t have influence on the decision from CAS, now, so it makes no sense to be thinking about it,” Glasner said. “We are focused on what we have to do on the pitch, how to create this spirit again in the group, this togetherness, this commitment, and this is what we are doing day by day.”

There is a sense that Glasner is determined to cultivate momentum, regardless of external forces. The first competitive outing of the season arrives on 10 August, when Crystal Palace meet Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley—a fixture Glasner views as validation, not a consolation prize. “We want to play Community Shield, we want to play European football, so this is the reward for last season. It is not the punishment, it is a reward.”

Transfer Concerns Linger

Despite his positivity, Glasner did not hide his frustration at the club’s subdued transfer activity. So far, just two new signings have arrived—left-back Borna Sosa and goalkeeper Walter Benitez—with total spending a modest £3 million. Glasner is clear that, if Palace are to navigate the dual demands of Europe and the Premier League, reinforcements are urgently needed.

“Why wait for two months? [Our transfer business] could be done quicker, but again, I have no influence. It is just my opinion,” Glasner said. “It is a waste of energy to complain too much about it, so I focus on the players who are here to prepare them in the best possible way. Everything else is not in my influence.”

Crystal Palace now find themselves balancing ambition with pragmatism—a club eyeing continental adventure, but with domestic realities yet to be addressed. Glasner’s confidence may be the beacon that leads them through.