Nottingham Forest have reportedly written to UEFA about Crystal Palace's participation in next season's Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules.
Football.london reported last week that Palace were meeting with UEFA officials to argue their case regarding their participation in next season's Europa League. The Eagles had earned their European spot through winning the FA Cup.
Although there is no denying that Palace earned a Europa League spot through merit, their involvement in the competition is now in jeopardy due to UEFA and their Club Financial Control Body (CFCB.)
Oliver Glasner's side have been trying to convince UEFA that they are not in breach of the multi-club ownership rules.
These regulations prohibit any individual or entity from exerting significant control over more than one club in the same UEFA competition.
The complication arises from Palace co-owner John Textor, who holds a 43% stake in the club and is also the majority owner of French side Lyon — who also qualified for the Europa League.
According to The Times, Nottingham Forest have been in contact with UEFA about the issue. If Palace were deemed ineligible, Forest could be bumped up from the Conference League into the more lucrative Europa League.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner will be hoping his team can play in the Europa League season (Image: Getty Images)
The financial implications are significant. UEFA’s Europa League prize pool stands at €565m — almost double the €285m available in the Conference League.
Lyon were previously barred from European competition in December by the CFCB, though that decision was reversed after the club met certain financial and regulatory criteria.
It’s understood that Palace’s case could end up at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), should UEFA rule against them. Forest could argue this further into the Swiss court if the Eagles are to be found eligble.
A verdict is expected to be made later this month as a UEFA spokesperson previously stated: "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."