This result leaves Crystal Palace’s aspirations of challenging for a Europa League spot next season up in the air. That’s thanks to Olympique Lyonnais—internationally known as Lyon—successfully appealing their relegation. The ramifications of John Textor’s ownership of both clubs are most consequential to Crystal Palace. This newest revelation should give anyone pause about UEFA’s flimsy and utterly toothless regulations regarding multi-club ownership. For good measure, Textor the other day sold his stake to American billionaire Woody Johnson and stepped down from Lyon’s board — enough to muddy the waters even more.
French football authorities have officially dropped the hammer on Lyon’s relegation. The club was handed a provisional demotion in November due to huge outstandings. This ruling had temporarily left Lyon facing the possibility of being barred from next season’s European competitions. Following the club’s appeal, they managed to overturn the relegation decision, prompting immediate effects on Crystal Palace’s European ambitions.
Administrative Deadline Missed
Eagle-eyed observers will know that John Textor did in fact miss that March 1st resignation deadline, or to at least resign and/or place his stake into a trust. Unfortunately, this failure has left Crystal Palace now facing a very unsafe reality. The Premier League club failed this same administrative deadline, further complicating their eligibility for European competition.
Because of these oversights, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body will punish them. Specifically, they will review whether or not Crystal Palace breached any regulations regarding ownership. The consequences would be dire, even resulting in their expulsion from their inaugural Europa League venture.
“Very good news for Lyon, who are one of the biggest clubs in France – but bad news for Crystal Palace.” – Kaveh Solhekol
On the pitch, Crystal Palace is staring down the barrel of a different kind of crisis. They are certainly looking to leave their own unique imprint on the European football landscape.
Lyon’s Relegation and Its Consequences
Lyon’s woes started last November when they racked up over 60 million euros in debts, resulting in the club receiving a provisional relegation. Shortly after, the club was forced to sell numerous first-team players to relieve financial burdens. They made a successful appeal against relegation, returning their place in Ligue 1. Perhaps more importantly, this victory brings them into clearer focus for their spot, or lack thereof, in European competitions.
“We can now focus our attention on sporting objectives, fully preparing for the next season,” stated Olympique Lyonnais after their appeal victory. This is a statement of intent and the club’s new direction as they attempt to rebuild and get supporters smiling again.
French authorities took a courageous stand and defended Lyon’s relegation. This created an unexpected chance for Crystal Palace to join the Premier League’s European scramble, earning a spot in the Europa League. Recent developments have thrown many logs on that fire. UEFA is reportedly investigating the ownership ties between both clubs.
Future Implications for Crystal Palace
Today’s ugly mess leaves the onus squarely on Crystal Palace as they get ready to start their first-ever run in the Europa League next season. Yet the specter of potential banishment from European competition for violating multi-club ownership rules hangs heavy over the club’s immediate future. UEFA will look into any possible violations of the rules. If they do, however, Crystal Palace could be punished significantly, even being thrown out of the tournament altogether.
The stakes can’t be understated as they continue to balance these serious challenges while waiting for UEFA’s promise of a glimmer of hope to materialize. Now, just as they were with the initial recommendations, the club and its supporters are left anxiously awaiting any developments that could seal their fate in European competitions.
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