EXCLUSIVE John Textor is hoping to SELL his stake in Crystal Palace as Eagles desperately attempt to avoid being kicked out of Europe after crunch talks with UEFA

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

John Textor is trying to SELL his majority stake in Crystal Palace as the club seek to avoid being booted out of European competition before a ball has been kicked.
Mail Sport spoke exclusively to the Eagles' 43 per cent shareholder, whose ownership of Lyon is putting the first-time FA Cup winners' European adventure in serious risk of collapsing before it has even begun.
We revealed yesterday that a group of Palace officials were jetting to Switzerland for crunch talks with UEFA.
And, speaking after hearing on the shores of Lake Geneva that lasted for around two hours, the US businessman declared that he had effectively put the club up for grabs to avoid what would be a potential disaster.
Textor had announced his intention to sell previously as he eyed a move for Everton. However, since then he had upped attempts to increase his stake in Palace amid frustration that his current share only entitles him to 25 per cent of the voting rights, along with three others.
UEFA rules on multi-club ownership have put Palace's maiden voyage under serious threat.
Textor's French side, Lyon , have also qualified for the Europa League and would take the slot as they finished 6 to Palace's 12.
To make matters worse, Danish outfit Brondby, owned by Palace shareholder David Blitzer, would be in line to take the spot in the Europa Conference League, should Palace be told they cannot play in the Europa League and effectively take 'relegation'.
Should that worst case scenario transpire, bitter rivals Brighton would enter the Conference League and Nottingham Forest would be elevated to the Europa League.
When asked how the hearing had gone, Textor responded: 'Look, all of the UK knows that I don't have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting. They listened and we'll see what happens. I wouldn't be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.'
When pressed further, Textor added: 'We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it's become clear that isn't going to happen and so we're trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That's about all I can say.'
Textor's openness was in direct contrast with the haughty demeanour of Palace co-owner and chairman Steve Parish. There is rumoured to be friction between the two and Parish failed to respond to questions from Mail Sport. Instead, he made his way to a waiting Mercedes 4x4 and sat wordlessly in the back.
It is understood that UEFA lawyers will now consider Palace's case before making a decision in the near future. The draw for the qualifying stages of the Europa Conference takes place on June 17 and a decision is likely to be forthcoming ahead of that date.
Ahead of today's showdown, Palace were thought to be confident that the situation would be resolved and they will now be hoping that a personal appearance from Textor will have provided the necessary assurances to the governing body.
The situation is unprecedented, in that three clubs are involved. Others in the Premier League have had to make changes to enable their other sides to allow their English clubs to participate in European competition. Both Manchester clubs have made boardroom changes at Nice and Girona in the shape of so-called 'blind trusts', while Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis did similar when it appeared as though they and his Greek outfit Olympiakos may both make the Champions League.