Crystal Palace fans have taken their frustration straight to UEFA’s doorstep, protesting the club’s shock exclusion from next season’s Europa League. Despite winning the FA Cup and rightfully earning their place, UEFA ruled Palace out due to concerns over multi-club ownership.
The supporters, led by the Holmesdale Fanatics delivered a suitcase full of fake cash to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The protest took place on July 22. The move symbolized what they see as UEFA’s focus on money over fairness and football integrity.
Why was Crystal Palace excluded from Europa League?
Palace had qualified for the Europa League through their stunning FA Cup victory over Man City, a historic first major trophy in the club’s history.The root of the issue lies with Palace co-owner John Textor, who also owns a stake in French side Lyon.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Textor agreed to sell his stake in Eagle Football Holdings to fellow American billionaire Woody Johnson for US$216 million. However, because the transaction was not finalized before UEFA's March 1 deadline, the sale was deemed ineligible.
On the other hand, Lyon successfully appealed against relegation from Ligue 1 for financial breaches, thus retaining their eligibility for the Europa League.
Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) decided Textor’s interest in both clubs meant only one could enter the Europa League, with Lyon’s higher league position of sixth edging out Palace, who finished the Premier League campaign in 12th.
As it stands, Nottingham Forest could take Palace’s Europa League spot, while Palace would be dropped into the Europa Conference League instead.
The club is appealing the decision, and CAS is set to announce its verdict on August 11. Until then, Palace fans are making their voices heard loud and clear.
