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Palace are battling to stay in Europe | Wolves via Getty Images
A look at the latest in Crystal Palace’s battle to save their Europa League spot.
Due to John Textor owning Olympique Lyon while also owning part of Crystal Palace - shares he is expected to sell - UEFA could decide to exile Palace from Europe next season because in the case where they feel there is a conflict of interest, the lowest-ranked team of the two based on league position is kicked out. Here we take a look at the situation.
Lyon’s relegation overturned
Lyon were administratively relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial issues, but they appealed the decision and it was overturned. Lyon effectively had to prove they had the cash to sustain a season in Ligue 1 after their financial issues, and they have been able to do that. Lyon said in a statement: “Olympique Lyonnais is pleased with the decision, made today by the DNCG, to keep the Club in Ligue 1.
"OL thanks the Appeal Commission for recognizing the ambition of the Club's new management, 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 within and outside the Club, particularly from its supporters, staff, players, partners, and elected officials. Today's decision marks the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on sporting objectives, fully preparing for the next season."
Lyon had an agreement with UEFA that if the relegation was upheld upon appeal, they would withdraw from Europa League competition, but that agreement is no longer relevant because the appeal decision went the way of the French club.
‘Breach’ claim
According to finance expert Stefan Borson, it’s already clear that the chief investigator in Palace’s case already feels as though there is a ‘breach’ between Palace and Lyon in regard to multi-club ownership rules. He told Football Insider: “The situation might be resolved very simply if Lyon fail to overturn the relegation. From what I can see and from what’s been reported in L’Equipe and elsewhere in France, it looks likely to overturn it, they need a huge amount of cash, something like €200million and they need it within days because I think the appeal is on Thursday.
“It’s just not going to happen. So, if that is true, as it’s been reported, then Lyon will be relegated and, if Lyon are relegated, then Uefa don’t have a decision because we know that Crystal Palace will then be in the Europa League. Obviously, the bigger worry is that if it is overturned, it’s gone a long way down the road at Uefa.
“To even have been with the CFCB, the chief investigator must have concluded that they felt that there was a conflict and a breach of Article 5 of the Uefa regulations because, otherwise, it would never have got to the adjudicatory chamber and wouldn’t still be debating it. So, on the face of it, the chief investigator does think that there is a conflict. The CFCB don’t seem to be convinced that there isn’t a conflict and, therefore, can’t clear Palace at this stage. They are therefore waiting for a decision on Lyon.”
Palace ownership situation and ‘appeal’ stance
Palace no longer have John Textor listed as a director, seemingly removing any conflict issues, but the UEFA rules are complex, and the Eagles still need to see the sale of shares between Textor and Woody Johnson go through before their case can be truly strengthened.
UEFA are expected to rule on Palace’s situation at the end of the week, and according to Football Insider, Palace are ready to file an instant appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if UEFA decide to kick them out of next season’s Europa League.
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