Crystal Palace takes UEFA to court over demotion to third-tier
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The Switzerland-based CAS confirmed Tuesday that the Premier League club had filed an appeal against European soccer's governing body. An expedited process will produce a decision no later than Aug. 11, the court said.
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Palace secured qualification to the second-tier Europa League by winning the FA Cup last season — its first major trophy in 120 years of existence. But UEFA demoted Palace after finding it in breach of multi-club ownership regulations because of its ties to French club Lyon through American businessman John Textor.
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Textor had a 43% stake in Palace and owns Lyon outright. UEFA rules state that clubs can be barred from its competitions if owners have 'decisive influence' over two teams that have qualified.
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While Textor only had limited decision-making at Palace, UEFA deemed his involvement with Lyon — which qualified for the Europa League — breached multi-club ownership rules. Textor has since agreed to sell his Palace stake to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
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CAS said Palace's appeal was also against Nottingham Forest, which was promoted from the Conference League to the Europa League, and Lyon.
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Palace's appeal asks for either Forest's or Lyon's qualification to the competition be rejected.
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The multi-club ownership rules are designed to protect soccer from the integrity risks of owners controlling numerous teams. The models are becoming more commonplace, with Manchester City being part of a group of clubs spread across the globe.
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