The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Crystal Palace's appeal against UEFA's decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the UEFA Conference League, upholding rules on multi-club ownership.
The ruling follows UEFA's decision after an assessment of shared ownership ties between Palace and French side Olympique Lyonnais via investor John Textor's holding structure. CAS found that, at the assessment cut-off date, there remained a level of "decisive influence" that breached UEFA's integrity regulations, meaning Palace would be moved down to the Conference League for the upcoming European campaign.
What this means
- European places reshuffled: Nottingham Forest will take Crystal Palace's Europa League spot.
- Palace in Conference League: Palace will enter the UEFA Conference League qualifying/playoff stage this season.
- Financial impact: The club faces reduced European revenue compared with the Europa League.
Palace had qualified for European competition for the first time in the club's history by winning the FA Cup last season and followed that with a Community Shield victory. The club argued in its appeal that ownership changes and governance measures removed any conflict, but CAS concluded UEFA's decision should stand.
Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League, will be elevated into the Europa League spot vacated by Palace. Palace's European campaign will therefore begin in the Conference League, with fixtures to follow the governing body's published schedule.
Club officials and fan groups have expressed disappointment and are reportedly considering further legal and commercial responses. Analysts warn of a potential revenue shortfall as prize money and broadcast allocations for the Conference League are materially lower than the Europa League.
Key sources:
• Reuters – Palace lose appeal against Europa League demotion at CAS
• Sky Sports – Crystal Palace to play in Conference League after CAS ruling
• The Times – Analysis of sporting and financial impact
• BILD – Coverage (German)