Crystal Palace lodge UEFA appeal as decision date given after Steve Parish warning

Crystal Palace are still fighting to get back into the Europa League after being demoted to the Conference League over multi-club ownership issues that UEFA took a disliking to. UEFA decided there was a conflict between John Textor’s ownership of Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyon, and as the lower-ranked team, the Eagles were sent down to the Conference League.

But while UEFA have taken action over the ruling, the fight rumbles on, and Palace have not given up hope of competing in the Europa League next season. Here we take a look at the situation.

Palace submit appeal and the ticking clock

Crystal Palace have now lodged an appeal against UEFA’s decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and they can expect a relatively quick ruling, but there is an issue.

CAS have said Palace’s appeal “will be an expedited procedure with an operative decision (without grounds) to be rendered on or before 11 August 2025,” but the issue is that qualifying playoff draw for the Conference League is on August 4, and as things stand, that will include Palace. UEFA could potentially put Forest in Palace’s place if the latter’s appeal is successful, but there are logistical issues with late changes.

Forest’s role

According to Palace chairman Steve Parish, Nottingham Forest had a role in the process due to pushing to get into the Europa League. Parish told the Rest is Football podcast: “Yes. We were told that and I think it’s been made public. These things seem to be played out in public. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of confidentiality that comes out of certain organisations. But we’re led to believe that that’s the issue – if there wasn’t somebody that wanted to get in as a consequence, then there wouldn’t be a problem.

“People have got to look at themselves. Some people will say it’s fine, some people will say it’s not. I don’t really have control of that. I only have control of the arguments that we put forward to UEFA.”

Palace confidence over appeal

Parish also said in the same interview that he is confident that the club will be successful with their appeal efforts. He added: “We get the written ruling from last week’s decision with all the details from UEFA and then, apparently, the appeal is 10 days.

“I think [the UEFA president] Mr Ceferin could resolve this situation, and it would be a very good look if he did, because I think most people think it is right that we are in the competition. The draw for the Conference League is 4 August, so this needs to be wrapped up by the end of July.”

Fan protests

Crystal Palace fans have been protesting UEFA’s decision both home and abroad. A protest was attended by thousands outside Selhurst Park, and the club’s ultras went a step further in traveling to UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.

Those Palace fans decided to deliver a suitcase of fake money to the headquarters, heavily insinuating corruption within Europe’s governing body for football.

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