Crystal Palace set to learn European fate from UEFA bosses by June 30 - but legal wrangling could drag out saga
Crystal Palace are set to learn their European fate at the end of the month – but legal challenges could drag the saga out even further.
UEFA bosses hope to inform the Eagles whether they will be thrown out of the Europa League under rules on multi-club ownership by June 30.
However, there is a strong likelihood that either Palace themselves - or other sides impacted by the verdict – will then take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Should Palace, who won the FA Cup, fail to convince bosses that majority owner John Textor, who also holds a controlling stake in fellow Europa League participants Lyon, does not have influence at Selhurst Park and subsequently be denied their place they are expected to appeal to the Swiss-based adjudicators.
However, should palace be permitted into the competition, the likes of Nottingham Forest – who would miss out on a promotion to the Europa League from the Conference League – and rivals Brighton, who would have entered the Conference League, may well do likewise.
To further complicate matters Danish side Brondby, owned by Palace minority shareholder David Blitzer, may also be stirred into action should they end up losing their spot in the Conference League.
Crystal Palace met with UEFA to argue their case for competing in the Europa League
UEFA ownership rules may mean Palace cannot compete. US businessman Textor is majority shareholder at Lyon while Brondby are owned by Palace co-owner David Blitzer
Last week, Mail Sport revealed that Palace execs were to jet to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, to plead their case.
After a two-hour, high-stakes summit ended, Textor told Mail Sport that he wanted to sell his stake to assist in ending the issue.
He also denied having any decision making powers at the club. While Textor owns a stake of around 43 per cent and is the major shareholder he only has 25 per cent of voting rights at the club, a situation which has been a key source of frustration.
Palace execs attempted to outline the structure of the club and emphasise Textor's lack of influence.
Should they have been able to satisfy UEFA that the American is not a person of influence, despite holding the largest number of shares, they are expected to be given the green light.
Any decision, however, is then expected to trigger an appeal to CAS, which is likely to be expedited.
The draw for the first qualifying rounds, which involve Brondby, start on June 17 while the draw for the league phase, when Palace are due to enter the competition, is on 29 August. Clubs can be replaced in those fixtures, should the need arise.
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