Crystal Palace fans are preparing a protest in response to UEFA’s controversial decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League. The ruling, confirmed on Friday, stems from multi-club ownership regulations, with UEFA stating that John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings has control over both Palace and French club Lyon—despite Palace’s claims otherwise.
00:00Crystal Palace fans are protesting in response to UEFA's controversial decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League.
00:11The ruling confirmed on Friday stems from multi-club ownership regulations, with UEFA stating that John Texter's Eagle Football Holdings has control over both Palace and French club Lyon, despite Palace's claims otherwise.
00:26UEFA's Article 5 prohibits clubs under shared ownership from competing in the same European competition.
00:34Although Texter is in the process of selling his stake in Palace to US billionaire Woody Johnson, the transaction wasn't complete before UEFA's March 1 deadline.
00:44Palace, who earned their place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, were therefore ruled ineligible with Nottingham Forest, originally set for the Conference League, benefiting from the reshuffle.
00:57Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish labelled the ruling a terrible injustice and a bad day for football.
01:03He insists the club was never part of a multi-club operation, and that Texter's influence at Salhurst Park was minimal, noting he held just 25% of voting rights.
01:13Palace are now seeking legal advice and are expected to appeal the decision at the Court of Art Repetration for Sport.
01:19In reaction, the Holmesdale Fanatics, Palace's leading Ultras group, announced a protest.
01:27Fans will meet at Norwood Clock Tower and march to Salhurst Park.
01:31Their statement called for unity among football fans, stating,
01:34We welcome supporters of all teams to join us.
01:38This will not be an isolated action, but the beginning of a campaign against the corruption that has plagued the modern game.
01:45UEFA's strict enforcement of ownership rules recently saw Brigada United thrown out of European competition for similar reasons.
01:53Palace now risk missing out on an estimated £30 million in revenue, with Lyon finishing 6th in Ligue 1 and Palace 12th in the Premier League.
02:01UEFA ruled Lyon's claim took precedence once their relegation was overturned.
02:07Palace maintained hope that their appeal can restore their rightful place in the Europa League.
