UEFA made a major announcement on Friday, disqualifying English club Crystal Palace from participating in the UEFA Conference League next season due to violations of its multi-club ownership rules.
In an official statement, UEFA cited ownership links between Crystal Palace and French side Olympique Lyon, both of which have significant stakes held by American businessman John Textor.
UEFA regulations prohibit two clubs with the same owner from competing in the same European competition in order to protect the integrity of the tournaments. In this case, Lyon will remain in the UEFA Europa League, having avoided relegation from Ligue 2 and having a financial penalty overturned.
As a result of Palace’s exclusion, Nottingham Forest will take their place and represent England in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace retains the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ruling is expected to spark intense debate in football circles, especially given the growing concerns over multi-club ownership models in modern football.
