Crystal Palace is at risk of being banned from European competitions next season following UEFA`s rejection of a proposal from the club`s shareholders.
The Eagles earned a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, but their participation is threatened because shareholder John Textor holds a stake in French club Lyon.
Lyon is also scheduled to compete in the Europa League after finishing sixth in Ligue 1 last season.
UEFA regulations strictly forbid individuals from being involved in the management, administration, or sporting operations of multiple clubs participating in UEFA competitions concurrently.
The possibility of Palace competing in the Conference League is also highly unlikely because another shareholder, David Blizter, owns a stake in Danish side Brondby, who are set to play in that competition.
In an attempt to ensure Palace`s European participation next season and comply with UEFA rules, Textor and Blizter proposed placing their shares into a blind trust.
However, UEFA officials have rejected this offer, leaving Palace`s planned European campaign for next season uncertain.
The rejection reportedly occurred because Palace missed the registration deadline for submitting the proposal.
If approved, a blind trust arrangement would have transferred control of Textor`s shares in Palace to a group of trustees for the 2025/26 season.
English clubs have previously used blind trusts to navigate UEFA`s multi-club ownership regulations.
Manchester City and Manchester United successfully used blind trusts last season because their associated clubs, Girona and Nice, qualified for the Champions League and Europa League, respectively.
Palace held urgent discussions with UEFA this week to try and resolve the potentially devastating issue.
Following the meeting near Lake Geneva, Textor has reportedly put his shares in the South London club up for sale.
Textor commented to The Daily Mail, stating:
Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting.
He added:
They listened and we'll see what happens. I wouldn't be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.
Textor, 59, further explained:
We are trying to help separate it and sell.
We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA.
He concluded:
That’s about all I can say.
