Crystal Palace face missing out on playing European football for the first time in their history despite winning the FA Cup due to UEFA's rules on multi-club ownership
GIRONA, SPAIN - JUNE 02: Eberechi Eze of England reacts during a training session at the England Men's Senior Team's training base on June 02, 2025 in Girona, Spain (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Eberechi Eze has been linked with a move away(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Eberechi Eze says that he's 'positive' about Crystal Palace's chances of avoiding a controversial ban on playing European football for the first time in their history. Eagles star Eze scored the winning goal as Palace stunned Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final last month, earning them a place in next season's Europa League group phase.
Or so they thought. It emerged this week that the London club's participation in the competition was suddenly in doubt because of UEFA's rules on multi-club ownership.
American businessman John Textor has shares in both Palace and French giants Lyon, who've also qualified for the Europa League after finishing sixth in Ligue 1. The outspoken Textor has a 43 per cent stake in the Eagles but only 25 per cent of voting rights.
Palace chiefs flew out to UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland for a meeting which is understood to have lasted two hours. Textor, who made a rare appearance representing the Eagles at Wembley, is offering to sell his Palace shares, as he did when he tried to buy Everton. UEFA chiefs are expected to confirm a decision within the next 10 days.
To make matters worse, rivals Brighton would potentially replace Palace in Europe, having finished eighth in the Premier League. Eze, 26, is currently on international duty with England in Spain but he's keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation amid uncertainty over his own future.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window. Tottenham, who qualified for the Champions League, are known admirers and UEFA's ruling could play a part in deciding his future.
On the prospect of being Palace banned, Eze said: "I really hope that that's not the case and I hope that Palace do get the reward for that (FA Cup win), because of what it took to actually achieve it.
"It would be a huge shame if that was the case, but I'm trusting that it will work out in the end. I'm sure it will work itself out and it should work itself out, because there are players who have worked to be in this position.
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LYON, FRANCE - MAY 16: Olympique Lyonnais owner John Textor during the Arkema Premiere Ligue Feminine, Final match between Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain on May 16, 2025 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
John Textor is offering to sell his stake in Crystal Palace
"There are fans who have been with the team throughout the whole season and experienced everything. It would be unfortunate, but I'm positive that it won't be the case."
Eze will be hoping to make an impact when England play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier at 5pm on Saturday. The Three Lions also face Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground on Tuesday.
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