CRYSTAL PALACE could be banned from playing in the Europa League next season, according to reports.
The Eagles qualified for Europe by winning the FA Cup.
GettyCrystal Palace could be prevented from playing in the Europa League[/caption]
GettyPalace co-owner John Textor’s stake in Lyon has caused a problem[/caption]
But they could be prevented from participating in the Europa League because of rules over multi-club ownership.
Co-owner John Textor, who has a 43 per cent stake in Palace, owns French club Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League.
Uefa forbids clubs with the same owners from competing in the same competitions.
Unfortunately for Palace that could mean they will not be allowed to drop into the Conference League either, as Textor has a stake in Danish side Brondby.
Now Crystal Palace chiefs are set to meet with Uefa in Switzerland where they hope to iron out any issues.
The South London club will argue their case by pointing out no relationship exists between them and Lyon, according to the Daily Mail.
Textor also does not possess sole decision-making power at Selhurst Park – he only holds 25 per cent of voting rights alongside chairman Steve Parish and other partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
If Uefa cannot be persuaded the American may be forced to sell his stake.
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Alternatively, Textor could place his shares into a blind trust – though is running out of time to do so.
If Palace are ultimately denied a place in the Europa League, Nottingham Forest would take their place and fierce rivals Brighton would enter the Conference League.
Manchester United faced a similar axing from the Europa League last summer due to Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership of Nice.
Ineos found a solution with Uefa that allowed by United and Nice to compete in the competition.
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