Overview

• UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body postponed its ruling on Crystal Palace’s qualification until Lyon’s appeal against a provisional Ligue 2 relegation is resolved.
• The DNCG relegated Lyon for breaching financial regulations and, under a settlement, Lyon agreed to exclusion from 2025-26 UEFA competitions if that demotion is upheld.
• John Textor sold his 43% stake in Palace to Woody Johnson and resigned his role at Lyon, though both moves occurred after UEFA’s March 1 multi-club ownership deadline.
• If Lyon’s relegation is confirmed, Palace will inherit the Europa League slot; if Lyon remain in Ligue 1, UEFA will choose between the two clubs based on their domestic finishes.
• The case highlights strict enforcement of Article 5, which bars any individual or entity from exercising decisive influence over more than one club in the same European tournament.