Crystal Palace demoted by UEFA from Europa League because of co-owner Textor’s ties to Lyon

By Canadian Press on July 11, 2025.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA demoted Crystal Palace to the third-tier Conference League on Friday because of the English cup winner’s ownership ties to French club Lyon through American businessman John Textor.

UEFA said its club finance panel accepted Lyon’s entry into the second-tier Europa League instead.

The decision follows the financially troubled French club being reprieved this week from demotion to the French second division.

UEFA said Palace can challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Nottingham Forest should now step up into the Europa League.

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The Associated Press