Palace demotion confirmed by CAS

Crystal Palace must compete in the Conference League after CAS dismissed their appeal and backed UEFA’s demotion from the Europa League.

Palace to play in Conference League after CAS upholds UEFA demotion

Crystal Palace will compete in the UEFA Conference League in the 2025/2026 season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled UEFA’s decision to remove them from the Europa League stands. The ruling confirms that Palace were found in breach of UEFA multi club ownership regulations due to ownership links with Olympique Lyonnais. Palace had argued for readmission to the Europa League, but the panel found decisive influence by John Textor over both clubs on the assessment date.

Nottingham Forest are set to take Palace’s place in the Europa League, and Palace now faces a two leg playoff against the loser of the Europa League qualifier between Fredrikstad and Midtjylland. The first leg is scheduled for August 21 at Selhurst Park, with the return leg on August 28. The CAS decision was issued two and a half weeks after the appeal was filed on July 21 2025, in an expedited process.

This ruling highlights how UEFA’s ownership rules can shape a season before it begins. It shows regulators are closely watching cross club ties and are willing to enforce consequences even after a trophy win. The case also tests how clubs manage ownership structures across markets and leagues. For Palace, the setback signals a long path back to European competition and a potential shift in legal and financial strategy for the club and its investors.

Highlights

The season will reveal how regulators balance business interests with sporting fairness.