UEFA make final decision on Crystal Palace playing in Europa League next season after Lyon handed reprieve

A decision on Crystal Palace's participation in the UEFA Europa League has been made.

The Eagles secured a place in the Europa League for the 25/26 campaign after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final back in May.

Midfielder Eberechi Eze was the hero as he netted the winner to seal a historic 1-0 victory at Wembley.

However, it was then reported that Palace face being banned from competing in Europe due to the club's shareholder, John Textor, holding a controlling stake in French side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League, which breaches UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.

Despite Textor selling his stake in Palace, it was claimed that they could still be kicked out of the tournament.

In the meantime, Lyon were originally relegated from Ligue 1 over financial issues.

However, the decision was overturned after an appeal, meaning they were allowed to play in the Europa League, casting doubt over Palace's place.

The Europa League trophy. Image: Getty

On Friday afternoon, it appears a decision has been made.

Taking to social media, Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan wrote: "BREAKING. Crystal Palace have been 'demoted' to the Europa Conference League."

The decision will be subject to an appeal, which Palace are more than likely to do.

As a result, Nottingham Forest have been pushed up to the Europa League.

Crystal Palace have been relegated to the Europa Conference League. Image: Getty

A statement from UEFA read: "On 9 July 2025, the appeal instance of the French financial control authority (DNCG) decided not to relegate Olympique Lyonnais to Ligue 2. Consequently, and following an assessment by the CFCB of all the other relevant conditions included in the settlement agreement, Olympique Lyonnais will not be excluded from the 2025/26 UEFA club competitions.

"Consequently, the CFCB First Chamber pursued the assessment of the documentation submitted by Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace and concluded that the clubs breached, as at 1 March 2025, the multi-club ownership criteria foreseen in Art 5.01 of the UEFA Club Competition Regulations.

"For this reason, and in accordance with the provisions set in Art. 5.02, 5.03 and 5.04 of the UEFA Club Competitions Regulations, the CFCB First Chamber decided:

"To accept Olympique Lyonnais’ admission to the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League; and To reject Crystal Palace’s admission to the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League and to accept Crystal Palace’s admission to the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League."