John Textor Aleksander Ceferin Crystal Palace
(Credit: Getty Images)
James Murray
Fri 6 June 2025 13:43, UK
Crystal Palace could submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if they lose their Europa League place, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League side qualified for the competition after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month to get their hands on their first-ever major trophy.
However, co-owner John Textor’s ownership of Lyon has presented a stumbling block after the French side have also qualified for the Europa League.
Uefa’s rules prohibit clubs controlled by the same owners or directors from competing in the same European competition.
Meanwhile, fellow shareholder David Blitzer owns Danish club Brondby, whose qualification for the Conference League means Palace are unable to drop down into that competition.
The Guardian reported on Thursday (5 June) Uefa has rejected offers from Textor and Blitzer to put their shares into a blind trust to allow the south London club to compete in Europe following a meeting in Nyon, Switzerland, earlier this week.
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Sources have told Football Insider this is a “serious” issue for Palace as their European hopes are hanging by a thread.
Selhurst Park chiefs could appeal to CAS if they are unable to resolve the situation with Uefa in the coming days.
The international body, which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, settles sports-related disputes through arbitration and mediation.
John Textor
(Credit: Getty Images)
John Textor wants to agree Crystal Palace takeover
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.
That news follows a long line of updates surrounding the American billionaire’s intentions at Selhurst Park.
The 59-year-old initially moved to sell his shares 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.
It then emerged last month Textor was attempting an audacious takeover of Palace after holding talks with fellow co-owners Blitzer and Josh Harris about purchasing their shares.
Alongside his 43 per cent stake in Palace, Textor owns majority stakes in Lyon, Brazilian first division outfit Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek through Eagle Football Holdings.
Club Stake (%)
Crystal Palace (England) 43
Botafogo (Brazil) 90
Olympique Lyonnais (France) 77.49
RWD Molenbeek (Belgium) 80
John Textor’s Eagle Football portfolio
Crystal Palace star rejects Tottenham move
In terms of on-field matters, Palace are at risk of losing Marc Guehi this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 2 June Guehi has already turned down a move to Tottenham in favour of a potential switch to Liverpool.
The Palace captain is out of contract in June 2026, making this summer the club’s best chance to secure a substantial fee for his services.
Newcastle United also remain in the mix after seeing four bids rejected for the 24-year-old last summer.
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