​June 10, 2025 – Nottingham Forest Challenges Crystal Palace’s Europa League Spot Over Ownership Rules

A brewing controversy has erupted in European football as Nottingham Forest has formally lodged a complaint with UEFA, questioning Crystal Palace’s eligibility to compete in the upcoming Europa League. The dispute centers on potential breaches of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, triggered by Palace’s investor John Textor, who also holds a significant stake in Lyon, another Europa League qualifier. The issue surfaced following Palace’s dramatic 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City on May 17, 2025, securing their European debut.

Forest, missing out on Champions League qualification, argues that Textor’s dual ownership creates a conflict of interest, a concern echoed by recent cases like Olympiakos’ ownership adjustments under Evangelos Marinakis. Palace has engaged with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body, with a decision anticipated within weeks. Textor has offered to sell his 43% stake in Palace to resolve the impasse, though he maintains his limited voting rights comply with regulations.

Football fans on X have branded Forest’s move as “scummy” or a bid for self-interest, given their potential to inherit Palace’s spot if disqualified. The outcome could set a precedent for multi-club ownership enforcement, amid growing calls for clearer UEFA guidelines as ownership complexities rise across the continent.