Nottingham Forest have written to UEFA to “ask for clarity” on Crystal Palace’s place in next year’s Europa League, claiming that the Eagles have breached the federation’s multi-club ownership rules. The Tricky Trees would directly replace the Eagles in next season’s Europa League, according to The Guardian, in what would effectively be a European promotion for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Could Nottingham Forest Replace Crystal Palace in Next Season’s Europa League?
What Do UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Rules Say?
Forest’s complaint centres on American businessman John Textor, who owns a 30% stake in Palace whilst also holding a 77% stake in fellow Europa League qualifiers Olympique Lyon. According to UEFA, no “individual or legal entity” can hold a majority of shareholder voting rights in two clubs competing in the same competition, as the rules aim to prevent collaboration between teams.
Crystal Palace are attempting to demonstrate to UEFA that they do not operate as part of a multi-club model, which is where multiple football clubs are owned by the same person or group and operate under a shared strategy. The FA Cup winners are insistent that they are not part of a multi-club model, despite Textor also owning shares in Lyon, Brazilian side Botafogo and Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek.
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According to BBC Sport, sources close to the club have said that Textor owns just 25% of shareholder voting rights. In addition, they note that it is very clear that Palace’s day-to-day operations are run by chairman Steve Parish.
Would Nottingham Forest Replace the Eagles If They Are Banned?
As Nottingham Forest finished in seventh place in the Premier League, they would be first in line to replace Palace, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. Nuno’s side have already qualified for next season’s UEFA Conference League tournament, but clearly feel that they may be able to upgrade their European place.
Crystal Palace’s situation is made even more precarious by their league position, as the UEFA rules state that the club ranked lowest in their domestic league will be removed from the tournament, and the Eagles finished 12th while Lyon came 6th in Ligue 1. Palace would then compete in the UEFA Conference League if removed.
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UEFA’s rules were also a significant concern for Nottingham Forest when they almost secured Champions League football, with the club’s Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis also owning a majority stake in Olympiakos, who had qualified for the competition. Marinakis therefore, opted to place all of his shares in Forest in a blind trust and take a step back from decision-making, in the hope that this would allow both his teams to play in the Champions League.
When Will We Find Out the Result?
It may take several weeks for UEFA to announce their final decision on the matter, resulting in an anxious wait for fans of the South London side. Palace reportedly believe that being removed from the Europa League is a “disproportionate” measure and they feel a fine would be a more appropriate punishment.
It is also likely that the situation will result in a potentially lengthy legal battle, as Forest push for Europa League qualification through highly unlikely circumstances.
