Source: REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba Sports News] According to recent reports by English media, a Premier League team has complained to UEFA about another Premier League team, Crystal Palace’s qualification for the Europa League. Crystal Palace was complained about because their shareholders’ equity relationship with Lyon Club might violate UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. It was reported that Crystal Palace qualified for the next season’s Europa League by winning the FA Cup, but John Textor, an American businessman who owns 43% of Crystal Palace’s shares, also owns Lyon, which has already qualified for the Europa League. UEFA regulations state that “no individual or legal entity” should hold a majority voting stake in two clubs competing in the same European tournament. Nottingham Forest, ranked seventh in the Premier League, qualified for the Europa Conference League playoffs. They sent a letter to UEFA questioning Crystal Palace’s possible violation of the rules allowing them to participate in the Europa League. If Crystal Palace is found to be in violation, Nottingham Forest will take their place in the Europa League from the Conference League. However, Crystal Palace argued that they do not belong to the same ownership group as Lyon, nor do they share any staff, facilities, or information, thus not violating the rules.