EXCLUSIVE Crystal Palace in desperate bid to avoid being KICKED OUT of European football at UEFA emergency summit - and major rivals could replace them
The Eagles secured a historic place in the Europa League following their shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City but now face the prospect of seeing their continental dream wrecked due to rules on multi-club ownership - and arch-rivals Brighton could take their place.
US businessman John Textor owns around 43 per cent of Palace's shares but is also the majority shareholder at French club Lyon, who qualified for the same competition - and UEFA regulations prevent two clubs with the same ownership from participating.
One potential route for Palace - who believe they have a strong case to avoid any sanction - could have been to drop into the Conference League. However, Danish outfit Brondby, owned by Palace co-owner David Blitzer, will be in line to take that slot.
The rules state that in multi-club groups the club which finished in a higher league position take precedent in such circumstances.
Lyon ended their season in sixth, Brondby – who are in a Europa Conference play-off - in third and Palace 12th.
Mail Sport understands the onus will be on the south London club to find a palatable solution at the Swiss showdown.
Doing so may prove tricky in a complex situation which is being closely monitored elsewhere. Other top-flight sides with multi-club groups have gone to great lengths to ensure they comply with UEFA's rules.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have all been forced into action, while Chelsea and Aston Villa have also faced issues.
Palace declined to comment. However, it is understood they are confident that they will be able to participate in the Europa League. Their argument is thought to be that there is no relationship between Palace and Lyon in that no facilities, assets or players are shared between the two and that Textor does not make decisions at Selhurst Park in his own right thanks to his quarter share of voting rights along with three others.
Textor only holds 25 per cent of voting rights alongside chairman Steve Parish and other partners Josh Harris and Blitzer and has no say over the club's operation.
Whether that will be enough to satisfy UEFA execs remains to be seen. Textor has previously spoken of his frustration over his perceived lack of input and at one stage explored buying Everton.
Another route out would be for Textor to sell his stake at break-neck pace, but he is unlikely to do so unless the price is right. That may be unlikely in the event of what may well be viewed as a forced sale.
Textor could also place his shares into a blind trust should he have the appetite to do so.
Timing may be an issue, according to those with knowledge of the situation. Should Palace be denied, it would see Forest elevated to the Europa League while old rivals Brighton would then take the slot in the Europa Conference.
It may also have serious financial ramifications and may well impact on the club's recruitment and retention plans. The ending of the dream of playing in Europe would come as a massive blow not only to Palace's fanbase but also to its players.
The club played the Europa League anthem at Selhurst Park at their last home game of the Premier League season.
A UEFA spokesperson said: 'Please be informed that decisions regarding multi-club ownership cases for the 2025/26 season will be announced in due course during June. We do not comment on individual club cases until an official decision has been made.'
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