Nottingham Forest has formally requested clarification from UEFA regarding Crystal Palace’s eligibility for the 2025-26 Europa League, citing potential breaches of multi-club ownership regulations. The issue at the center of this dispute is American businessman John Textor, owner of Eagle Football, which holds a 43% stake in Crystal Palace and a 77% stake in French side Lyon. Both teams have qualified for next season’s Europa League, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and breaches of UEFA’s regulations.
The Concern
UEFA’s rules state that “no individual or legal entity” can hold a majority of shareholder voting rights at two clubs in the same European tournament. Nottingham Forest argues that Textor’s ownership structure could be a breach of these regulations, potentially giving Crystal Palace and Lyon an unfair advantage. If Palace is found to be in breach, they could be excluded from the Europa League, which would have significant implications for the club and potentially benefit Nottingham Forest.
Crystal Palace’s Argument
Crystal Palace insists that they operate independently, with no employee, backroom staff, or coach sharing with Lyon. They also claim that there is no dialogue, collaborative strategy, or combined partnerships, sponsorships, or commercial deals between the two clubs. Palace argues that their FA Cup win and European qualification were achieved entirely on their merit, and that they should not be penalized for Textor’s ownership structure. The club maintains that they are a separate entity with their own distinct identity and operations.
UEFA’s Regulations
UEFA’s rules aim to prevent collusion between clubs and ensure a level playing field for all participants in European competitions. The regulations are designed to prevent situations where a single individual or entity could exert influence over multiple clubs, potentially compromising the integrity of the competition. Nottingham Forest complied with the rules after owner Evangelos Marinakis diluted his control of the club. Marinakis also controls Olympiakos and Portuguese side Rio Ave, and Forest took steps to ensure that they were not in breach of UEFA’s regulations.
Next Steps
UEFA will review the matter and make a decision on Crystal Palace’s eligibility for the Europa League. The governing body will carefully consider the arguments presented by both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, and will make a ruling based on their regulations and the evidence presented. The first and second qualification rounds of the Europa League and Conference League are in July, and the outcome of UEFA’s ruling could have significant implications for both clubs.
Potential Implications
If Crystal Palace is excluded from the Europa League, Nottingham Forest could potentially benefit and gain a spot in the competition. The outcome will depend on UEFA’s final ruling, and both clubs will be eagerly awaiting the decision. A ruling in favor of Nottingham Forest could potentially boost their chances of participating in the Europa League, while a ruling in favor of Crystal Palace would allow them to continue their European adventure.
In conclusion, the dispute between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace highlights the complexities and challenges of regulating multi-club ownership in European football. UEFA’s decision will have significant implications for both clubs, and will set a precedent for future cases involving multi-club ownership.
