John Textor aims dig at Steve Parish as Crystal Palace wait on UEFA fate: 'Ask the guy driving the Ferrari' | OneFootball

Textor hits out at a perceived lack of ambition at Selhurst Park as UEFA prepare to deliver Europa League ruling

Outgoing Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has criticised chairman Steve Parish for what he calls a lack of ambition at Selhurst Park.

Parish has overseen the most successful period in Palace history in his 15 years at the south London club, culminating in their FA Cup triumph last season.

On the way out: John Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Crystal Palace

AFP via Getty Images

But Textor has aimed a parting shot at Parish, telling TalkSport: “I think his ambition every year is to avoid relegation. Our ambition is to climb the table.”

FA Cup winners Palace are facing the threat of expulsion from the Europa League next season because Textor also owns a majority stake in Ligue 1 side Lyon.

Textor has no day-to-day involvement in the running of Palace but UEFA rules prevent two teams with the same ownership playing in the same competition.

Lyon’s successful appeal against their relegation from Ligue 1 means they will play in the Europa League next season and that could affect Palace.

Asked where the blame lies for Palace's potential expulsion from the Europa League, Textor said: “Ask the guy that drives the red Ferrari.

Crystal Palace qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup

AP

“I never want to be the man. Ask the guy that drives the red Ferrari that. I'm not that guy.

“I don't wake up wanting to be the man. But I do love the family of Eagle Football. I think collaboration between clubs and communities is a good thing. Otherwise, we're just watching petro clubs win everything."

As UEFA prepare to deliver their ruling on whether Palace can play in the Europa League next season, Textor insists he never had a decisive influence at Selhurst Park.

That point is crucial to Palace’s fight to play in the Europa League next season.

Textor said: “He [Parish] involves us, but he doesn't really listen to us. A suggestion from time to time is not the same as decisive influence.”