Crystal Palace have lost their appeal against being removed from the Europa League and will now play in the UEFA Conference League this season.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed on Monday that UEFA’s decision stands.
Palace qualified for Europe after winning the FA Cup last season, but UEFA ruled that the club broke its multi-club ownership rules. American businessman John Textor was found to have control in both Palace and French club Lyon as of March 1. Under UEFA rules, two clubs linked to the same owner cannot play in the same European competition.
Since Lyon finished higher in their league, they kept the Europa League spot, while Palace were pushed down.
Palace argued that Textor had agreed to sell his 43% stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, but the deal came too late — after UEFA’s March 1 deadline.
CAS explained in its ruling that Textor still had influence over both clubs when UEFA made its checks, and that the rules do not allow exceptions.
As a result, Palace will now start their European campaign in the Conference League play-off round later this month.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, who finished 7th in the Premier League, will take Palace’s place in the Europa League.
