UEFA Decides to Relegate English Club in European Competitions Due to Shareholder Activities
The European football governing body UEFA has made a significant decision impacting the English football club Crystal Palace, which carries far-reaching consequences for the team’s finances and prospects in European tournaments.
Last week, the governing body officially downgraded the club’s status in the European club competition structure, transferring it from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League.
This decision stems from serious issues related to activities of the club’s former shareholder, well-known businessman John Textor, who maintained ties with the club until recently.
According to reports from The Times, Textor’s involvement in the ownership of the club triggered these sanctions.
UEFA’s ruling is based on violations of the rules concerning multi-club ownership, which are strictly regulated.
Although Textor sold his stake in the club in summer, he did so after the completion of investigations into his activities, complicating matters further.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will fill the vacant spot in the Europa League.
However, for Crystal Palace, this decision implies a loss of approximately 23 million euros in prize and sponsorship income.
The club has already filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding a review of UEFA’s decision and compensation for potential damages.
The team remains hopeful for a swift resolution.
Last season, Crystal Palace achieved a significant victory by winning the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final.
This victory marked a major milestone for the club and garnered wide attention in the football world.
Future matches will be crucial for their ambitions in both the championship and European tournaments, although upcoming games may be affected by the financial and legal risks stemming from these sanctions.
Football experts and betting analysts are already assessing the team’s chances in upcoming matchups, with some predicting preferred competitors in the UEFA Super Cup.
The club in London remains optimistic and hopes for a quick resolution that will enable their return to full participation in European competitions in the near future.