Crystal Palace Europa League Appeal Set for August 8 Hearing

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hold a closed-door hearing on August 8 to review Crystal Palace's appeal against UEFA's decision to demote them from the Europa League to the third-tier Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules. The controversy centers on John Textor's controlling stakes in both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais, with Lyon retaining its Europa League spot after finishing higher in Ligue 1. Textor has since resigned from Lyon's board and sold his Palace shares to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. If Crystal Palace's appeal fails, Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League, will take their Europa League place. No immediate ruling is expected at the hearing, but a decision is anticipated on August 11, coinciding with Palace's Community Shield match against Liverpool. The case highlights the complexities of UEFA's regulations on club ownership and competition eligibility.