Crystal Palace fans protest UEFA’s exclusion of the club from the Europa League, citing “morally bankrupt” decisions, while the club gears up for the Europa Conference League.
Crystal Palace supporters have voiced their outrage following UEFA’s decision to exclude the club from next season’s Europa League, despite having earned their place through their FA Cup victory. Instead, Palace have been relegated to the Europa Conference League, sparking widespread protests and condemnation.
The controversy stems from Palace co-owner John Textor and his investment firm, Eagles Football Holdings Ltd, which holds controlling stakes in both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais. UEFA’s ownership rules prohibit clubs with shared ownership structures from competing in the same European competition. Though Textor is reportedly working to sell his shares to comply with UEFA’s regulations, the governing body stood firm on its decision, resulting in Palace being booted from the Europa League.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has strongly condemned UEFA’s decision, calling it “a bad day for football” and an “injustice” to both the club and its supporters. The Palace board, along with their fanbase, feel that the ruling undermines the club’s on-field achievements. Despite the club’s efforts to resolve the ownership issue, UEFA’s rigid interpretation of its rules left no room for negotiation.
In response, the Holmesdale Fanatics, the most vocal supporters group of Crystal Palace, organized a protest march on Tuesday. Fans gathered at the clock tower in Norwood and made their way to Selhurst Park, displaying a banner that read: “UEFA: Morally bankrupt. Revoke the ruling now.” The protest was a show of defiance against what they see as UEFA prioritizing bureaucratic rules over footballing merit, and ignoring the emotional and financial investments that fans make in their clubs.
As a direct result of Palace’s exclusion, Nottingham Forest have been promoted from the Europa Conference League to the Europa League. This shift means that Forest and Aston Villa will represent England in the competition next season.
Despite the setback, Palace have been placed as one of the five seeded teams for the Europa Conference League play-off draw, which takes place on August 4. The team will need to win a two-legged tie to qualify for the group stage, keeping their European dream alive albeit in a different competition.
