Report: Europa League delay sparks Palace legal threat | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Europa League Dreams in Limbo: Frustration Mounts Over Uefa Delay

Legal Action Looms as Palace Await Uefa Ruling

Crystal Palace’s long-awaited return to European football is teetering on a knife edge, with the club now considering legal action following further delays in Uefa’s decision-making. The crux of the issue lies in Uefa’s multi-club ownership (MCO) regulations, which are currently being examined due to John Textor’s dual involvement in both Palace and French side Lyon.

Originally expected to confirm their ruling on 27 June, Uefa have now postponed any verdict until the conclusion of Lyon’s domestic appeal against relegation from Ligue 1. Palace officials, according to BBC Sport, feel this delay unfairly favours Lyon, potentially enabling the French club to retain their Europa League spot at the expense of the Eagles.

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Palace’s Patience Wearing Thin

The frustration in SE25 is palpable. “There is a sense at Palace that Lyon are being afforded extra time to get their finances in order to aid their relegation appeal, while Palace are being penalised for missing Uefa’s 1 March deadline to re-organise their ownership structure,” BBC Sport revealed.

Palace co-owner John Textor has attempted to resolve the conflict of interest by resigning from his roles at Lyon and initiating the sale of his 43% stake in Palace to Woody Johnson for a reported £190m. Despite these efforts, the club remain in limbo. The irony isn’t lost on Eagles officials—despite Lyon’s “chaotic” finances and provisional relegation, they could still pip a financially prudent Palace to a European berth.

Concerns Over French Football’s Integrity

Further complicating matters is the broader instability in French football. Lyon’s fate remains entangled with domestic politics and economic worries, particularly after DAZN pulled out of a €400m Ligue 1 broadcast deal. BBC Sport points to scepticism over whether France will really let one of its “most prestigious clubs” drop to Ligue 2, given the risk to the league’s image and revenue.

This could leave Palace unfairly sidelined, not because of their own failings, but due to another club’s mismanagement and a governing body unwilling to make a definitive call.

Palace’s Standing in English Football

Uefa reportedly view Crystal Palace as “one of the most well-run sides, financially, in England.” That commendable status, however, may count for little if administrative and legal delays rob them of their deserved place in Europe. For now, Palace must anxiously watch from the sidelines as Lyon’s legal appeal unfolds in a different country, under different rules, with enormous consequences.

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As Crystal Palace supporters, the frustration around this situation runs deep. Qualifying for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup was a historic achievement—one built on years of smart recruitment, financial discipline, and steady progress. To see that hard-earned reward hanging by a thread due to off-field issues is deeply disheartening.

From a fan’s perspective, it feels like Palace are being penalised not for wrongdoing, but for being small in European terms. Lyon, with their storied history and influence in French football, appear to be receiving a level of leniency that smaller clubs like Palace would never be granted. The fact that Lyon could keep their European spot despite being provisionally relegated for financial mismanagement, while Palace are potentially barred despite compliance, seems completely backwards.

The anger isn’t just about the delay—it’s about the principle. If Uefa wants to promote fair competition, surely the club with the cleaner financial record and legitimate sporting qualification should be prioritised. Watching Palace be held back while Lyon sell players and restructure boards is galling.

This decision—however it unfolds—will shape the perception of Uefa’s commitment to fairness. Fans are right to demand transparency and consistency. If not, what message does it send to clubs trying to grow the right way?