Crystal Palace Loses Appeal Against Europa League Demotion, Heads to Conference League

Published on: Aug 11, 2025, 09:20 PM IST

Nottingham Forest Set to Replace Crystal Palace in Europa League

Crystal Palace, winners of the Community Shield, had their appeal against UEFA’s decision to move them from the Europa League to the Conference League dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will now participate in the Europa League.

UEFA’s decision was influenced by the fact that at the time the Eagle Football Group, majority owners of Olympique Lyonnais, also had significant control over Crystal Palace through their chairman, John Textor.

Related: Liverpool boss Arne Slot reacts to Crystal Palace fans booing tribute for Diogo Jota

The Court of Arbitration for Sport found that John Textor’s dual role and influence over both Crystal Palace and Lyon played a significant part in their decision. The panel also did not find evidence of unfair treatment when compared to Nottingham Forest and Olympique Lyonnais.

Crystal Palace, who secured their spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, had appealed UEFA’s ruling last month. Shortly after the appeal, Robert “Woody” Johnson, co-owner of the New York Jets, acquired Eagle Football Holdings’ stake in the club.

Despite the setback, Palace is gearing up to compete in the Conference League’s qualifying playoff round later this month. Meanwhile, Lyon, who finished higher in their domestic league, will retain their Europa League spot. They have welcomed the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision in their favor.