Crystal Palace officials are set to meet with UEFA representatives to prevent being disqualified from participating in European football competitions.
The club needs to persuade UEFA`s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) that co-owner John Textor`s ownership structure complies with regulations. If they fail, their spot in Europe could potentially go to rivals Brighton.
American billionaire John Textor is the largest shareholder at Palace and also owns French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.
UEFA rules prohibit two clubs with the same owner or ownership group from competing in the same competition. In case of such a conflict, the entry spot is awarded to the team that finished higher in its domestic league.
Palace finished 12th in their league but secured a European place by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City. Lyon finished 6th in Ligue 1.
Furthermore, Palace cannot drop into the Conference League because Textor also holds a stake in Danish club Brondby, who qualified for that tournament by finishing third in Denmark.
The Eagles believe they have a strong argument, although a decision is not expected for approximately two weeks.
Although Textor holds about 43% of Crystal Palace through his Eagle Football Group, his voting share is only 25%, equivalent to other shareholders.
UEFA rules are breached if one individual holds the majority of voting rights at both clubs involved.
While Textor manages operations at Lyon, Crystal Palace`s day-to-day affairs are handled by chairman Steve Parish.
Palace intends to argue that there are no shared assets or player transfers between the two clubs, supporting their case for compliance.
In past situations, owners of clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United have had to implement measures, such as placing shares in blind trusts, to avoid similar ownership conflicts.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis used a blind trust for his shares in the club when they were potentially qualifying for the Champions League alongside his other club, Olympiakos.
However, implementing a blind trust is reportedly no longer an option for Textor, as UEFA rules required such a move to be completed by March of this year.
If the CFCB rules against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, currently in a Conference League spot, would take Palace`s Europa League place, and Brighton would then secure a spot in Europe.
