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Crystal Palace’s European Ban Explained: Why the Eagles Could Be Kicked Out Completely… and Allow Brighton to Profit

Introduction

Crystal Palace have qualified for the Europa League – but might not actually get to play in the competition.

Historic Victory and a Potential Setback

The Eagles won their first major trophy in their 119-year history last month, with Ebere Eze’s sole strike clinching the FA Cup for Oliver Glasner’s side against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

However, their participation in the Europa League is threatened due to their owners’ stake in another club in the competition.

Multi-Club Ownership Issue

Crystal Palace’s majority owner John Textor – who controls 45 percent of the South London outfit – is also the president and owner of Lyon, who like Palace, have qualified for the Europa League next season.

Under UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership (MCO) rule, “no individual or legal entity may have control or decisive influence over more than one club” competing in European competition, in order to limit multi-club ownership in Europe’s top leagues.

Outlook and Implications

The South London outfit must now show UEFA’s club financial control body (CFCB) that they do not fall foul of the rules around multi-club ownership.

Despite Textor’s majority stake in Palace, the American businessman does not have a defining voice in the boardroom, with his group Eagle Football only having a 25 percent share of voting rights alongside fellow principal owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and chairman Steve Parish, who all own 10 percent of the club each.

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