Textor insists Palace influence ‘not decisive' as club fear Europa League ban
Palace are facing the threat of being demoted to the Conference League by European football's governing body because the American businessman also owns a majority stake in Ligue 1 side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. The French club have successfully appealed against relegation to Ligue 2, with Uefa having delayed its ruling on Palace last week pending the outcome of Lyon's appeal.
Uefa sources have indicated that its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), which investigates alleged breaches of its multi-club ownership rules, is due to decide on Palace's fate this week. Clubs are barred from competing in the same Uefa competition if an individual or ownership group is considered to have a decisive influence over more than one of those teams.
Textor recently agreed to sell his Palace shares to the New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson, a deal that is expected to be ratified by the Premier League in the coming days. Textor also owns Brazilian side Botafogo, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain during the group stages of the Club World Cup last month, but he revealed that he did not even consider placing his shares in Palace into a blind trust before Uefa's 1 March deadline because it was clear he was not in day-to-day control at Selhurst Park.
'Why should I put my interest in a trust back before March when the rule says you only have to do it if you have decisive influence? I don't,' he told TalkSport on Thursday.
'If I had a decisive influence, then those Brazilian players that just beat PSG in the Club World Cup, half of them would be coming to Crystal Palace next year. But you don't see one single player from our network of clubs that's made its way onto the Palace roster, which is the source of my frustration with the lack of collaboration that we've been able to have with Crystal Palace. I am dumb enough and successful enough to not predict in advance what a governing body is going to say.'
Asked what his influence was at Palace, Textor added: 'I helped. I helped a lot. I showed up during Covid. I paid off the Covid debt. I helped finish the academy. The capital, I'm sitting there on the board with four other guys. [Chairman Steve] Parish is making decisions. He's bringing us players. He involves us, but he doesn't really listen to us. He does, but a suggestion from time to time is not the same as decisive influence.'
Textor also rejected reports that he had told the CFCB that he had been instrumental in the decision to hire Oliver Glasner as Palace's manager last year.
'I tried to hire him in Lyon. And if [former Palace sporting director] Dougie Freedman notices and he goes to visit him in Salzburg just the way I did and he ends up at Crystal Palace, is there a connection there? I don't know. Steve's not going to be told who to hire as a coach,' he said.
'It's incredibly untrue. We sat in front of the Uefa panel and were extremely consistent on the lack of decisive influence. I don't even know if I suggested him to Dougie but Dougie recruited him.'
Textor confirmed that he attempted to take full control of Palace two weeks before the FA Cup final against Manchester City. But he claimed Parish had been given a 'stay of execution' after he failed to agree a deal to buy the 36% stake owned by fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer, with the threat of being banned from the Europa League having forced him to sell his shares to Johnson.
'This obviously strengthened him in that position,' he said of Parish. 'I think his ambition every year is to avoid relegation. Our ambition is to climb the table.'
Asked whether his hopes of taking over Palace had been scuppered by Uefa's rules on multi-club ownership, Textor added: 'I never want to be the man. Ask the guy that drives the red Ferrari that. But I'm not that guy.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
9 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Saturday briefing: Crystal Palace consider appeal over UEFA ruling
Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham following an alleged illegal approach by the London club for Morgan Gibbs-White. World champions Spain marched into the Women's European Championship quarter-finals after beating Group B rivals Italy 3-1 in Bern. Crystal Palace have confirmed they are considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being demoted to the Conference League for breaching UEFA's rules on multi-club ownership. Palace qualified for the Europa League thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, but missed a March 1 deadline to demonstrate that American co-owner John Textor, also a part-owner at Lyon, had no control or influence over more than one club in the same competition. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) determined that Textor's interest in both Palace and Lyon meant only one of the clubs could enter the Europa League, with Lyon's higher league position edging out Palace. A Palace statement read: 'Crystal Palace FC are extremely dismayed by UEFA's decision to exclude the club from the Europa League. 'It's clear for everyone to see that we are not part of a multi-club operation and never have been. Further with the completion of the sale of Eagle football's shareholding to Woody Johnson there will be zero possibility of a conflict of interest once the competition begins. 'We will continue to press our case and work with UEFA to achieve the fair and just outcome so that we may take our rightful place in the Europa League, as well as taking legal advice to consider our options, including an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).' Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham over an alleged illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White. The England international was set for a medical in north London on Friday after Spurs were understood to have triggered Gibbs-White's £60million release clause. However, Forest have accused the Europa League winners of contacting Gibbs-White directly rather than making an official approach. The PA news agency understands Forest are furious and, in response, are drawing up legal papers with a view to reporting Spurs to the Premier League. As result, the deal appears to be on hold, although Forest are powerless to stop it happening if Spurs go through the proper channels. Lauren Hemp feels England gained the respect they deserved after turning around their Women's European Championship defence with a resounding 4-0 group-stage victory over the Netherlands. The Lionesses will reach the quarter-finals with victory over Wales on Sunday night in St Gallen and the mood in camp is decidedly more jovial than it was following their opening loss to France, which had left them in a perilous position. Forward Hemp said: 'It was important that we turned it around and we proved to the fans, we proved to everyone, that we're here to compete and we're here to win. 'Obviously we never want to lose, but it was important that we made sure that we got ourselves right back in it, and I think we gained the respect that we deserved as a group.' Spain made it three straight wins at Euro 2025 after hitting back to beat Italy 3-1 in Bern and finish top of Group B. Italy took an early lead through Elisabetta Oliviero, but Spain responded through Athenea del Castillo and Patricia Guijarro before half-time and Esther Gonzalez's stoppage-time effort sealed victory. The world champions had already qualified for the quarter-finals after thrashing Portugal 5-0 and Belgium 6-2 in their previous two group games and will now face hosts Switzerland. Italy also qualified for the last eight after finishing second in the group having taken four points from their first two matches. Germany and Sweden will battle it out against each other in Zurich to see who will finish top of Group C at the Women's European Championships. Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Poland face Denmark in Lucerne, where both teams will bid for their first tournament win in their final group match.
Glasgow Times
10 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Saturday briefing: Crystal Palace consider appeal over UEFA ruling
Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham following an alleged illegal approach by the London club for Morgan Gibbs-White. World champions Spain marched into the Women's European Championship quarter-finals after beating Group B rivals Italy 3-1 in Bern. Palace consider CAS appeal Crystal Palace could appeal against UEFA's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Crystal Palace have confirmed they are considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being demoted to the Conference League for breaching UEFA's rules on multi-club ownership. Palace qualified for the Europa League thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, but missed a March 1 deadline to demonstrate that American co-owner John Textor, also a part-owner at Lyon, had no control or influence over more than one club in the same competition. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) determined that Textor's interest in both Palace and Lyon meant only one of the clubs could enter the Europa League, with Lyon's higher league position edging out Palace. A Palace statement read: 'Crystal Palace FC are extremely dismayed by UEFA's decision to exclude the club from the Europa League. 'It's clear for everyone to see that we are not part of a multi-club operation and never have been. Further with the completion of the sale of Eagle football's shareholding to Woody Johnson there will be zero possibility of a conflict of interest once the competition begins. 'We will continue to press our case and work with UEFA to achieve the fair and just outcome so that we may take our rightful place in the Europa League, as well as taking legal advice to consider our options, including an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).' Forest consider legal action against Spurs Morgan Gibbs-White's £60million release clause is understood to have been triggered (Richard Sellers/PA) Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham over an alleged illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White. The England international was set for a medical in north London on Friday after Spurs were understood to have triggered Gibbs-White's £60million release clause. However, Forest have accused the Europa League winners of contacting Gibbs-White directly rather than making an official approach. The PA news agency understands Forest are furious and, in response, are drawing up legal papers with a view to reporting Spurs to the Premier League. As result, the deal appears to be on hold, although Forest are powerless to stop it happening if Spurs go through the proper channels. Lionesses 'gained respect' – Hemp Lauren Hemp played her part in England's much-needed win over the Netherlands (Nick Potts/PA) Lauren Hemp feels England gained the respect they deserved after turning around their Women's European Championship defence with a resounding 4-0 group-stage victory over the Netherlands. The Lionesses will reach the quarter-finals with victory over Wales on Sunday night in St Gallen and the mood in camp is decidedly more jovial than it was following their opening loss to France, which had left them in a perilous position. Forward Hemp said: 'It was important that we turned it around and we proved to the fans, we proved to everyone, that we're here to compete and we're here to win. 'Obviously we never want to lose, but it was important that we made sure that we got ourselves right back in it, and I think we gained the respect that we deserved as a group.' Spain march on at Euros Spain's Patri Guijarro, centre, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal against Italy (Martin Meissner/AP) Spain made it three straight wins at Euro 2025 after hitting back to beat Italy 3-1 in Bern and finish top of Group B. Italy took an early lead through Elisabetta Oliviero, but Spain responded through Athenea del Castillo and Patricia Guijarro before half-time and Esther Gonzalez's stoppage-time effort sealed victory. The world champions had already qualified for the quarter-finals after thrashing Portugal 5-0 and Belgium 6-2 in their previous two group games and will now face hosts Switzerland. Italy also qualified for the last eight after finishing second in the group having taken four points from their first two matches. What's on today? Germany and Sweden will battle it out against each other in Zurich to see who will finish top of Group C at the Women's European Championships. Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Poland face Denmark in Lucerne, where both teams will bid for their first tournament win in their final group match.
The Herald Scotland
20 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Saturday briefing: Crystal Palace consider appeal over UEFA ruling
World champions Spain marched into the Women's European Championship quarter-finals after beating Group B rivals Italy 3-1 in Bern. Palace consider CAS appeal Crystal Palace could appeal against UEFA's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Crystal Palace have confirmed they are considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being demoted to the Conference League for breaching UEFA's rules on multi-club ownership. Palace qualified for the Europa League thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, but missed a March 1 deadline to demonstrate that American co-owner John Textor, also a part-owner at Lyon, had no control or influence over more than one club in the same competition. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) determined that Textor's interest in both Palace and Lyon meant only one of the clubs could enter the Europa League, with Lyon's higher league position edging out Palace. A Palace statement read: 'Crystal Palace FC are extremely dismayed by UEFA's decision to exclude the club from the Europa League. 'It's clear for everyone to see that we are not part of a multi-club operation and never have been. Further with the completion of the sale of Eagle football's shareholding to Woody Johnson there will be zero possibility of a conflict of interest once the competition begins. 'We will continue to press our case and work with UEFA to achieve the fair and just outcome so that we may take our rightful place in the Europa League, as well as taking legal advice to consider our options, including an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).' Forest consider legal action against Spurs Morgan Gibbs-White's £60million release clause is understood to have been triggered (Richard Sellers/PA) Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham over an alleged illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White. The England international was set for a medical in north London on Friday after Spurs were understood to have triggered Gibbs-White's £60million release clause. However, Forest have accused the Europa League winners of contacting Gibbs-White directly rather than making an official approach. The PA news agency understands Forest are furious and, in response, are drawing up legal papers with a view to reporting Spurs to the Premier League. As result, the deal appears to be on hold, although Forest are powerless to stop it happening if Spurs go through the proper channels. Lionesses 'gained respect' – Hemp Lauren Hemp played her part in England's much-needed win over the Netherlands (Nick Potts/PA) Lauren Hemp feels England gained the respect they deserved after turning around their Women's European Championship defence with a resounding 4-0 group-stage victory over the Netherlands. The Lionesses will reach the quarter-finals with victory over Wales on Sunday night in St Gallen and the mood in camp is decidedly more jovial than it was following their opening loss to France, which had left them in a perilous position. Forward Hemp said: 'It was important that we turned it around and we proved to the fans, we proved to everyone, that we're here to compete and we're here to win. 'Obviously we never want to lose, but it was important that we made sure that we got ourselves right back in it, and I think we gained the respect that we deserved as a group.' Spain march on at Euros Spain's Patri Guijarro, centre, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal against Italy (Martin Meissner/AP) Spain made it three straight wins at Euro 2025 after hitting back to beat Italy 3-1 in Bern and finish top of Group B. Italy took an early lead through Elisabetta Oliviero, but Spain responded through Athenea del Castillo and Patricia Guijarro before half-time and Esther Gonzalez's stoppage-time effort sealed victory. The world champions had already qualified for the quarter-finals after thrashing Portugal 5-0 and Belgium 6-2 in their previous two group games and will now face hosts Switzerland. Italy also qualified for the last eight after finishing second in the group having taken four points from their first two matches. What's on today? Germany and Sweden will battle it out against each other in Zurich to see who will finish top of Group C at the Women's European Championships. Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Poland face Denmark in Lucerne, where both teams will bid for their first tournament win in their final group match.
