Crystal Palace’s Ownership Structure Could Hand Forest a European Boost
Nottingham Forest are currently set to enter next season’s Europa Conference League, but that status could soon change depending on the outcome of a UEFA ruling involving Crystal Palace.
Forest are keeping a close eye on ongoing investigations related to multi-club ownership regulations, with the possibility of being promoted to the Europa League still on the table.
Palace’s Eligibility Under Scrutiny
The issue stems from Eagle Football Holdings, the multi-club ownership group chaired by John Textor, who holds stakes in both Crystal Palace and French side Lyon. Both clubs have qualified for the Europa League, but UEFA rules prohibit two clubs under the same ownership from participating in the same European competition.
Since Lyon finished higher in Ligue 1 than Palace did in the Premier League, it’s expected that Palace would be the club forced to step aside if a violation is confirmed.
Palace’s Case and UEFA’s Timeline
Palace have reportedly argued their position to UEFA, claiming:
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Textor’s shareholding at Selhurst Park is below the 30% threshold.
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There has been no operational collaboration between Palace and Lyon for at least four years.
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Their FA Cup win and European qualification were unaffected by any multi-club affiliations.
Initial expectations were that UEFA would make a ruling by mid-June, but BBC reports now indicate the decision could be delayed until the end of the month.
What’s at Stake: Forest’s European Fate
If UEFA rule against Palace, the reshuffling could promote Nottingham Forest to the Europa League, with Brighton potentially inheriting Palace’s Conference League spot. That’s due to separate ownership concerns involving Brighton’s stakeholder David Blitzer, who also owns Danish club Brøndby.
The Telegraph reports that Forest strongly believe they are next in line for the Europa League place. The club made efforts to avoid a similar conflict earlier in the year when owner Evangelos Marinakis placed his Forest shares into a blind trust before the March 1 UEFA deadline to avoid a conflict with Olympiacos, another club under his control.
Important Dates for Forest Fans
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As of now, Forest are slated to compete in the Conference League play-off round, entering as one of 48 teams.
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Draw Date: August 4
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Play-off Fixtures: August 21 and August 28
Whether they remain in the Conference League or step up to the Europa League, Forest’s return to European football will become clearer by late June.
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