Nottingham Forest could find out within the next fortnight whether they are to be handed a surprise ticket to the Europa League.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side finished the 2024/25 season seventh in the Premier League table. For much of the campaign they had looked on course to clinch the top-five finish required to qualify for the Champions League, but instead they had to settle for a Conference League place.
However, it emerged earlier this week the Reds could yet be bumped up to UEFA’s second tier club competition. Their fate is dependent on Crystal Palace.
Palace’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last month qualified them for the Europa League. But on Monday it was reported the south London club are at risk of losing their European spot - and if they do get booted out, Forest would take their rivals' place in the Europa League.
Palace reportedly had an “emergency” meeting with the European governing body on Tuesday. Palace went into the talks needing to demonstrate they are not falling foul of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Following the summit in Switzerland, the Mail have reported UEFA lawyers “will now consider” the Eagles’ case. A decision is expected “in the near future” and is “likely” to come before the draw for the qualifying stages of the Europa Conference on June 17.
Palace’s run-in with the rules has come about because John Textor holds a 43 percent stake in the club through his company Eagle Football. He is also the owner of French side Lyon, who qualified for the Europa League courtesy of their sixth-placed finish in Ligue 1.
No individual is permitted to have a significant say in the running of two clubs competing in the same UEFA competition. According to the Press Association, UEFA’s club financial control body (CFCB) will have to make a ruling on any potential breach.
The Mail report Textor is “trying to sell” his majority stake in Palace. The US businessman is said to have “effectively put the club up for grabs” to avoid them being booted out of the Europa League.
Asked how the talks on the shores of Lake Geneva had gone, Textor told the Mail: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting.
“They listened and we'll see what happens. I wouldn't be trying to sell (this stake) if I did.”
He added: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”
According to PA, Palace are confident no rules have been breached owing to the fact Textor – through Eagle Football – has only a 25 percent share of voting rights alongside fellow principal owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer and chairman Steve Parish. Parish is also responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, which has led to past tension with Textor, who had previously tried to sell his shares and take over Everton.
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Given Palace believe they have no influence over Lyon and Eagle Football does not have decision-making powers at the Premier League outfit because of the voting structure, the club are hopeful of being able to compete in Europe. If Palace fail to convince the CFCB that no rules have been breached, Lyon would keep their Europa League spot due to a higher league finish.
Meanwhile, Brondby, who Blitzer owns, qualified for the Europa Conference League. This could prevent Palace from entering the Europa Conference League, which could open the door for Brighton and Hove Albion to benefit.
Palace’s failure to compete in the Europa League would see their spot transferred to Forest. It would mean the Reds’ previous Conference League qualification berth would go to the next highest team in the Premier League, which is Brighton in eighth.
A UEFA spokesperson told PA: “Please be informed that decisions regarding multi-club ownership cases for the 2025-26 season will be announced in due course during June. We do not comment on individual club cases until an official decision has been made.”
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