Lyon win appeal against relegation in potential blow to Crystal Palace’s Europa League hopes | OneFootball

Lyon have been successful in their appeal against being relegated from Ligue 1, in a potential blow for Crystal Palace’s hopes of playing in the Europa League next season.

Palace are at risk of being removed from the Europa League, which they qualified for by winning the FA Cup, because of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, which say two teams which share the same ownership cannot compete in the same competition.

Despite having agreed to sell his shares in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, John Textor missed UEFA’s deadline to give up his interest in the club meaning UEFA could consider it as a breach of their rules.

Lyon had agreed that they would give up their spot in the Europa League should they be relegated to Ligue 2.

The French side had been condemned to relegation because of their financial issues but have managed to overturn the original decision and now look set to remain in the Europa League.

“Olympique Lyonnais welcomes the decision, made today by the DNCG, to keep the Club in Ligue 1,” Lyon said in a statement.

“OL thanks the Appeals Committee for recognising the ambition of the new management of the club, determined to ensure serious management in the future. The new management, supported by the commitment and dedication of our shareholders and lenders, is extremely grateful for all the support received both inside and outside the club, especially from its supporters, collaborators, players, partners and elected officials.

“Today’s decision is the first step to restore confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on sporting objectives, fully preparing for next season.”

Palace now wait UEFA’s final decision on the matter. There is a possibility that they could instead be demoted to the Conference League, with Nottingham Forest then taking their spot in the Europa League instead.