Why a decision on whether Crystal Palace can compete in the Europa League has been delayed | OneFootball

A decision on whether Crystal Palace can play in the Europa League next season has been delayed by UEFA.

The Eagles gained entry into the competition by winning the FA Cup but UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules say that teams under the same ownership cannot compete in the same European competition.

Palace co-owner John Textor also co-owns French club Lyon, and despite having agreed to sell his 44% stake in Palace in a bid to help their case, missed the deadline to relinquish control of the club.

The matter is further complicated by Lyon’s demotion to Ligue 2 in France because of their financial problems.

Lyon have appealed the decision but should they be unsuccessful, have agreed that they will give up their spot in the Europa League.

In a statement, Lyon said: “With proven funds and sporting success that has earned us a place in European competition for two consecutive years, we sincerely do not understand how an administrative decision could relegate such a major French club.

“We will appeal to demonstrate our ability to provide the necessary financial resources to guarantee OL’s place in Ligue 1.”

It means UEFA have decided to postpone a decision until the outcome of that appeal is decided, but the timeline on when a conclusion will be reached is unclear.

Textor is in the process of selling his stake in Palace to the owner of NFL team the New York Jets, Woody Johnson.

In a statement, the club said: “Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Robert Wood Johnson, “Woody”, an American businessman and co-owner of the New York Jets, has signed a legally binding contract to purchase Eagle Football’s holding in the club.

“Whilst the completion is pending approval from the Premier League and Women’s Super League, we do not envisage any issues and look forward to welcoming Woody as a partner and director of the club.”

“We would like to go on record to thank John Textor for his contribution over the past four years and wish him every success for the future.”