Why UEFA have delayed Crystal Palace ban decision amid Lyon confusion
Crystal Palace's place in the Europa League next season is still to be determined after UEFA announced a decision had been postponed until further notice
UEFA has delayed a decision on whether Crystal Palace will be admitted into next season's Europa League.
The Eagles believed they had secured their spot in Europe's second-tier club competition following their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, but doubts arose due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.
Outgoing Palace shareholder John Textor also holds an interest in French club Lyon, who have qualified for the same tournament. On Monday, UEFA stated it required more time to make a ruling and announced that Lyon had agreed to a settlement which would see them excluded from European competition next season if their relegation to France's second tier is confirmed.
This demotion is currently being appealed by the French club. Lyon were relegated due to financial difficulties by French football's financial regulator, the DNCG.
Last week, it was revealed that Textor had agreed to sell his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. On Monday, it was announced that he had stepped down from his leadership roles at Lyon as well.
Whether these developments will aid Palace's chances remains uncertain.
Palace's situation has been scrutinised under article five of UEFA's club competition regulations, which stipulates that from 1st March this year, clubs wishing to qualify for the 2025-26 season must demonstrate that no individual or legal entity has control or influence over more than one club participating in the same competition.
Lyon's superior league standing seems to give them the edge over Palace when it comes to European competition entry, as only one club can be entered if multiple fail to meet the criteria.
In a statement, Lyon announced that their settlement agreement with UEFA's club financial and control body (CFCB) allows them "could therefore participate in next season's Europa League, subject to a favourable outcome of the appeal of the DNCG decision".
This suggests that Lyon's Europa League fate is contingent on their appeal's success, yet it remains to be seen whether UEFA would also allow Palace to compete if they comply with multi-club ownership regulations, or if Palace's entry is solely dependent on the confirmation of Lyon's demotion.
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