Palace Fans Protest as Club Fights Europa League Axe
Crystal Palace’s bid to reclaim their place in the Europa League has escalated, with supporters joining the club’s appeal against UEFA’s demotion ruling.
The Eagles had qualified for the 2025/26 Europa League by winning the Football Association Cup, but were relegated to the Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Former shareholder John Textor held significant stakes in both Palace and French team Lyon, who also qualified for the competition.
Despite Textor selling his Palace shares after the March deadline and stepping down from his role at Lyon, UEFA enforced the rule. The English side has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a verdict expected by 11 August.
Club chairman Steve Parish slammed the decision as “one of the greatest injustices” seen in European football,” insisting Textor had “no decisive influence” at the club.
Meanwhile, Palace superfans, the Holmesdale Fanatics, staged a protest at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, delivering a suitcase of fake money and a letter accusing the body of abandoning its core values.
The outcome remains in limbo, with Nottingham Forest poised to benefit should Palace’s appeal fail. The club continues its pre-season preparations while awaiting CAS’s decision.
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