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Crystal Palace boost
Crystal Palace could be cleared to play their first European campaign this week - as a direct consequence of Lyon's shock relegation in France.
Uefa competitions chiefs will meet in Nyon on Friday to make a final decision on Palace's eligibility to play in the Europa League.
But the barriers that could have denied the Eagles their opportunity to make club history have been significantly eased by the decision of French football's financial regulator to demote 'Les Gones' over the club's soaring debts.
Under Uefa regulations, clubs that are part of a shared ownership group cannot compete in the same competition.
Lyon are part of the Eagle Football group owned by US businessman John Textor, who had a 44.9 per cent stake in Palace despite being kept at arms length by Steve Parish and Americans Josh Harris and Dave Blitzer.
Despite his limited role at Selhurst Park, Uefa were concerned that Textor's ownership stake breached those regulations.
And while Palace qualified for the Europa League after their FA Cup win over Manchester City, Lyon's sixth-placed finish in Ligue 1 gave them priority.
However, the decision by the French authorities - Lyon announced they would appeal - is understood to be likely to ease Palace's path.
Assuming the French Football Federation now withdraws its nomination of Lyon - all teams competing in Europe must be put forward officially by their national association - Nyon insiders expect the Club Financial Control Body will now rule in Palace's favour.
A decision could come immediately after the meeting although Eagles fans may have to wait until the start of next week before confirmation as the Palace situation is among a number of decisions that are on the agenda.
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