Crystal Palace qualified for the UEFA Europa League after their historic FA Cup victory, arguably one of their greatest achievements in the club's history.

However, UEFA have now removed Palace from the competition due to a technicality involving former minority shareholder John Textor, who also held a controlling stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais. Despite Palace earning their place fairly on the pitch, they have been punished because of an ownership conflict that no longer exists following the announcement of the sale of the shares to Robert Johnson on the 23rd of June 2025. While this sale is still subject to Premier League approval, it clearly demonstrates that any perceived conflict of interest has been addressed. Punishing the club despite this sale being in progress is premature, unjust, and fails to consider the specific circumstances of the case.

This decision is deeply unjust and highlights a clear double standard in how UEFA applies its multi-club ownership rules. John Textor had no control over Crystal Palace and played no role in its operations or decisions. Yet the club has been removed from Europe, while other clubs in the exact same scenario have been allowed to compete through legal loopholes. Red Bull’s RB Leipzig and Salzburg, as well as City Group clubs like Manchester City and Girona, have continued to play in the same competitions despite shared ownership. In fact, those clubs have done far worse, including financial breaches and direct operational links, yet UEFA has made exceptions for them. There is no valid reason why Palace should be treated differently.


This ruling also damages the club beyond not being able to play in the Europa League. Being in the Europa league would have boosted the club's ability to attract top players in the transfer window whilst helping maintain key players in the Crystal Palace squad.

It would have enhanced the club’s global visibility and given fans a long awaited chance to follow Palace on the European stage. That opportunity has now been taken away not because of anything the team did wrong, but because of an absurd and inconsistent decision that would never be applied to one of UEFA’s elite clubs.

Therefore, we call on UEFA to reverse this decision and allow Crystal Palace to take their rightful place in the Europa League. 

We also call on football fans across the whole international football community to speak out and furthermore, demand transparency and consistency from UEFA. This isn't just about Palace, it's about the fairness and principle that rules should be applied equally to all clubs, no matter their wealth or influence.