Crystal Palace are handed major boost in bid to play in Europe as French giants are RELEGATED to Ligue 2 in shock decision after league ruling amid financial woes
Share this @internewscast.com

Crystal Palace appear to have been handed a dramatic European reprieve after Lyon were relegated from the French first division.

The Eagles’ historic place in the Europa League had been under threat under UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership thanks to the fact that Eagle Football Holdings – who have a 43 per cent stake in the club – are also the owners of Lyon.

John Textor, who owns the group, has agreed to sell the stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in a desperate attempt to keep the south London side in the competition following their shock FA Cup Final win over Manchester City.

However, following an audit of Lyon’s books by Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG), the body responsible for overseeing the finances of French football clubs), the club have been demoted.

That decision is subject to appeal – but Mail Sport understands it delivers a huge shot in the arm to Palace’s hopes.

Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost in their bid to play in Europe next season

Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost in their bid to play in Europe next season

The multi-club ownership of John Textor, who has sold his shared in Palace

There had been complications over the multi-club ownership of John Textor, who has sold his shared in Palace

Lyon, though - who are also owned by Textor - have now been relegated to the second division

Lyon, though – who are also owned by Textor – have now been relegated to the second division

Texter’s Eagle Football Group had pulled a number of financial leavers in a bid to show their financial situation had improved, including selling Texter’s shares in both Palace and the Lyon women’s team, but officials not satisfied and have now taken action.

Now, though, Palace’s chances of being allowed to play in the Europa League – on the back of their FA Cup win – have been given a major boost. 

Under UEFA rules, Lyon would have taken the spot in the Europa League because they finished higher (sixth) in their domestic league than Palace (12th). Previously, those connected with Lyon had insisted that they would face no issues.

Confirming the news in a statement online, Lyon said: ‘Olympique Lyonnais takes note of the incomprehensible decision made by the DNCG tonight and confirms that it will immediately appeal.

‘Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all its requests with capital investments in excess of the amounts requested. Thanks to the equity contributions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash flow has improved significantly and we have more than enough resources for the 2025-26 season.

‘With demonstrated funds and a sporting success that earned us a place in European competition two years in a row, we sincerely do not understand how an administrative decision could relegate such a great French club. 

‘We will call to demonstrate our ability to provide the necessary resources in terms of cash flow to ensure the maintenance of the OL in L1.’ 

It is thought Palace representatives are due in Switzerland again on Friday with a decision due on Monday.

The Lyon development, however, is being seen as a ‘game changer’ by those with knowledge of the situation.

Though Lyon finished sixth last season, financial troubles have served as a major off-field issue at the club

Though Lyon finished sixth last season, financial troubles have served as a major off-field issue at the club

The relegation means the likes of Alexandre Lacazette may be playing in the second tier in the 2025-26 campaign

The relegation means the likes of Alexandre Lacazette may be playing in the second tier in the 2025-26 campaign

The rules state that in multi-club groups the club which finished in a higher league position take precedent in such circumstances.  

Palace have been confident of finding a resolution given that no facilities, players or resources are shared with Lyon.

It is thought that Johnson will be subject to the same set-up as Textor’s firm, in that despite owning 43 per cent of the club, he will only have a quarter share of the voting rights, along with chairman Steve Parish, and US investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer. 

Blitzer’s ownership of Danish club Brondby was another potential sticking point should Palace have been ‘demoted’ from the Europa League to the Europa Conference.

Lyon, meanwhile, last year, reported debts of around €500 million (£418m). Textor, though, has insisted the financial state had improved before Lyon stood in front of the DNGC.

The relegation of the club, who faced off against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, will mean former Premier League stars could line up in the second tier next season.

Former United and Chelsea man Nemanja Matic is on the club’s books, as well as ex-Arsenal duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexandre Lacazette.

They are seven-time Ligue 1 champions, last winning the league in 2008 – their seventh domestic title in a row. Palace and UEFA declined to comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Lionel Messi and Patrick Mahomes Team Up for ‘You Got This’ Initiative

Last year, adidas unveiled its “You Got This” campaign, designed to dismantle…

Australian Olympic Champion Leisel Jones Shares Troubling Story Behind Heartbreaking Photo That Will Deeply Concern Her Fans

Aussie Olympic swimming legend Leisel Jones has openly acknowledged her struggles with…

Inter Collaborates with Spike Lee on Short Film Ahead of Club World Cup

In March, the acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee was seen at San Siro,…

Real Madrid’s Dominant Performance Against RB Salzburg Heralds the Xabi Alonso Era, Analyzes Aadam Patel… Yet, Juventus Awaits

Even a severe thunderstorm watch across Philadelphia wasn’t going to deter the…

Manchester United Declines Opportunity to Sign Striker Who Left Premier League to Join Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Jhon Duran from Al…

Nick Kyrgios playfully hints at a Wimbledon love triangle involving Emma Raducanu with Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper following her comments on dating rumors.

Nick Kyrgios has humorously suggested that Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper are…

Liverpool’s Position on Marc Guehi Clarified as Jarrell Quansah Nears Move to Bayer Leverkusen

talkSPORT reports that Liverpool is considering making a move for Crystal Palace…

Sergio Aguero Playfully Teases Cristiano Ronaldo During IShowSpeed Meeting

Sergio Aguero isn’t just Lionel Messi’s former Argentina teammate – he’s also…

Former Boston University Soccer Coach Faces Fresh Abuse Accusations After Alex Cooper’s Sexual Harassment Claims

Boston University have been hit by fresh allegations against one of their…

Aston Villa Transfer Update: Arsenal’s Pursuit of Ollie Watkins, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson Speculations, and Club’s Financial Strategy

Aston Villa missed out on a Champions League spot on the final…

Why Tampa Adores the Glazers: A Tale of Manchester United’s Controversial Owners and Their Cherished Local Sports Team, Despite Stadium Woes

At the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, they know all about their…

European Giant Contemplates £40m Deal for Marcus Rashford Amid Man United Exit Rumors

Bayern Munich are allegedly contemplating a move for Marcus Rashford, as the…