When Crystal Palace lifted the FA Cup trophy in a stunning upset against Manchester City, the celebrations echoed far beyond Selhurst Park.
For generations of Eagles fans, it was a dream come true — the club’s first major silverware and a ticket to European football for the first time in years. The streets of Croydon buzzed with excitement, as supporters began imagining nights under continental lights.
But just weeks after that euphoric moment, a shadow looms over Palace’s European hopes.
The club faces a real risk of being barred from competing in UEFA tournaments due to complex ownership rules, potentially snatching away the chance to show off their remarkable achievement on the international stage.
The Ownership Puzzle Threatening Palace’s European Debut
Here’s the tricky bit: modern football ownership is often complicated, with investors holding stakes in multiple clubs.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has clear rules against clubs with shared owners playing in the same competitions — a measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the tournaments.
Crystal Palace’s majority owner, American businessman John Textor, owns around 43% of the club and also holds a majority stake in Lyon, a French club that has qualified for the Europa League this season.
While UEFA has somewhat relaxed these rules recently, allowing clubs under the same ownership to play in different European tournaments, the problem doesn’t stop there.
Another Palace investor, David Blitzer, who owns 18% of the Eagles, is also the majority owner of Danish club Brondby.
Brondby are in the running to qualify for the Europa Conference League — the very competition Palace might have dropped into if denied the Europa League.
Since Brondby finished higher in their domestic league, UEFA rules state they would get the European spot over Palace, who finished 12th in the Premier League, behind both Lyon and Brondby.
Palace Faces a Tough Battle to Keep Their European Dream Alive
This ownership tangle comes as a shock to many, especially given the stature of the people involved.
But few saw Palace’s FA Cup triumph coming, and this unexpected success may have caught everyone off guard.
The club’s argument centers on Textor’s level of control: despite his large shareholding, he reportedly only has about 25% of voting rights and is said to have no involvement in day-to-day football operations.
Palace might also claim Textor is actively trying to sell his stake to resolve the conflict.
However, these points may not be enough to sway UEFA.
Though UEFA has remained tight-lipped on the issue, history suggests they rarely bend on these rules.
The hope is that Textor will personally make the case to keep Palace in Europe, but if the governing body refuses, both the club and owner will be stuck in a tricky position.
What the Future Holds for Palace and Their Fans
From a business perspective, Textor might not want to be forced into a quick sale, especially given the cloud hanging over the club’s European status.
Potential buyers will be aware of this issue, likely reducing how much they’d be willing to pay.
There have been murmurs that Textor was frustrated with his influence at Palace and even considered a move for Everton, but any sale would take time — and quick fixes aren’t an option.
To add insult to injury, if Palace are ruled out of Europe, their local rivals Brighton — who finished higher in the league — stand to benefit by taking their place in continental competition.
The fierce rivalry between these clubs means this outcome would sting even more for Palace fans.
The Impact on Players and Club Finances Could Be Significant
European football is a huge draw for players, especially stars like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze, who have been linked with moves elsewhere.
Offering European nights can be a vital incentive for clubs outside the very richest, and losing that allure could affect player retention.
Beyond prestige, there’s a financial hit too. Extra matches bring in gate receipts, prize money, and TV revenue — all key for a club that doesn’t have the deep pockets of some Premier League giants.
Lessons from Others and the Challenge Ahead
This isn’t a situation unique to Palace. Other clubs have faced similar issues and taken steps to comply with UEFA’s regulations.
For example, Manchester United arranged a blind trust for their French sister club Nice, allowing both teams to play in European competitions.
Manchester City’s sister club Girona replaced some directors to meet the rules, while Nottingham Forest’s owner made plans to step back if conflicts arose.
Textor’s investment group, Eagle Football Holdings Limited, promotes a collaborative multi-club ownership model, hoping to boost all clubs in their portfolio through shared resources.
Ironically, this same collaboration could now work against Palace’s immediate ambitions.
The Clock Is Ticking for Crystal Palace’s European Hopes
While a decision is expected soon, no final verdict is likely before the draws for European qualifiers on June 17. Time is tight, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Eagles.
Although it lacks the drama of their recent FA Cup triumph, this unfolding ownership saga may become a defining moment in Crystal Palace’s history — one that tests their resilience and unity off the pitch as much as their skill on it.