Nottingham Forest have spoken to UEFA to express their concern over Crystal Palace's potential involvement in the Europa League as the FA Cup winners attempt to prove their breached no rules
Crystal Palace secured their spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup
Crystal Palace secured their spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup
(Image: Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest have written to UEFA to express concern over Crystal Palace potentially participating in the Europa League given the multi-club ownership rules that are in place.
John Textor, the American businessman who has a 43 per cent stake in the Premier League side, also owns Lyon, who have qualified for Europe's secondary competition. The Eagles hierarchy have met with UEFA officials to try explain Textor's situation.
Forest however can stand to gain if UEFA do choose to kick Palace out of the Europa League. The Nottingham outfit enjoyed a stellar year, challenging for the Champions League, but eventually having to settle for the Europa Conference League after finishing seventh.
However they could be bumped up if Palace fall foul of UEFA's rules and the Times reports that they have been in contact with European football's governing body regarding the matter.
Much may yet depend on whether Lyon themselves are allowed to play in the Europa League. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) disqualified Lyon from European competitions in December but allowed them to continue after the club met certain demands. However the French side are being “carefully monitored” by the CFCB and could be disqualified from next season’s Europa League for any breaches.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace discover likely date for verdict on European football banREAD MORE: Premier League club could be kicked OUT of Europe as UEFA reject proposal
It is understood that Palace case could end up at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Forest could also take the matter to the courts if the Eagles are still deemed eligible. UEFA have previously been rigid in their application of their rules which could count against the FA Cup winners.
Eagles shareholders Textor and David Blitzer want to put their shares in a blind trust to ensure the club can compete in Europe next season - but UEFA claim their request has come too late. UEFA rules state that such ownership changes must take place before 1 March to take effect in time for the following season.
Nottingham Forest could benefit from the Eagles' situation
Nottingham Forest could benefit from the Eagles' situation
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has transferred his shares given his Greek club Olympiacos have qualified for next season’s Champions League.
Blitzer is also an owner of Danish club Brondby who qualified for the Conference League. It means there could be issues should Palace want to drop down into that tournament instead.
Manchester City and Manchester United both used blind trusts to remain compliant with UEFA's multi-club rules last season. Their partner clubs, Girona and Nice, also qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.