James Murray
Wed 4 June 2025 13:23, UK
Crystal Palace’s ownership situation has become increasingly complicated following several moves by co-owner John Textor.
The American billionaire owns a 43 per cent stake in the Premier League side through his company Eagle Football Holdings.
The 59-year-old also owns majority stakes in French club Lyon, Brazilian first division outfit Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek.
Textor initially moved to sell his shares in Palace as he looked to secure a takeover of Everton last year, with the Premier League‘s rules prohibiting individuals from owning more than one club.
He eventually missed out on a deal to buy the Merseysiders after fellow American Dan Friedkin agreed a takeover with Farhad Moshiri at Goodison Park.
It then emerged last month Textor was attempting an audacious takeover of Palace after holding talks with fellow co-owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris about purchasing their shares.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
American investors Blitzer and Harris are each believed to own an 18 per cent share in the south London club, while chairman Steve Parish has seen his stake reduced to under 10 per cent in recent years.
Questions have been asked about whether Textor has the money to buy Palace after so far failing to agree a deal.
Everton
(Credit: Getty Images)
John Textor makes Crystal Palace takeover U-turn
Palace won their first-ever major trophy last month after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Their Wembley success has booked Oliver Glasner’s side a place in the Europa League for next season.
However, Textor’s ownership of Lyon has presented a stumbling block after the Ligue 1 side have also qualified for the competition.
Uefa’s rules prohibit clubs controlled by the same owners or directors from competing in the same European competition.
In a new twist, the Mail reported on Tuesday (3 June) Textor is now trying to sell his stake in Palace to avoid the club losing their place in the Europa League.
A group of Selhurst Park officials jetted out to Switzerland to hold crunch talks with Uefa on Tuesday as they look to resolve the situation.
Club Stake (%)
Crystal Palace (England) 43
Botafogo (Brazil) 90
Olympique Lyonnais (France) 77.49
RWD Molenbeek (Belgium) 80
John Textor’s Eagle Football portfolio
John Textor must agree immediate Crystal Palace takeover deal
It’s a tense time for Palace as their European hopes are hanging by a thread.
Whether or not Uefa officials are convinced Textor doesn’t have significant influence on matters at Selhurst Park is so far unknown.
The American is now clearly offering to sell his stake in the club to ensure they are not booted out of the Europa League.
There has been plenty of talk around several parties being interested in Palace since Textor initially put his stake up for sale last year, so he could likely agree a deal immediately if need be.
However, Uefa will want to get this situation resolved in the coming days as it looks to nail down exactly who will be competing in Europe next season.
For more Crystal Palace and exclusive news, follow us onFacebook or join our brand newWhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts