Crystal Palace's recent FA Cup victory, securing them a spot in the 2025/26 Europa League, should be a moment of unbridled celebration. However, a shadow hangs over Selhurst Park, threatening their participation in the prestigious tournament. This uncertainty stems from UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, as minority owner John Textor also holds a majority stake in French side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. UEFA rules forbid individuals from having control of more than one club in the same competition to avoid conflicts of interest.
Textor's Eagle Football group owns a 43% stake in Crystal Palace and 88% of Lyon. While Palace executives have met with UEFA officials to argue that Textor doesn't have decisive control over the club, the situation remains precarious. A final decision from UEFA is expected later this month, leaving fans anxiously awaiting the outcome. Failure to resolve this issue could see Nottingham Forest, who finished below Palace in the Premier League, take their place in the Europa League.
Enter Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, and a consortium including NBA star Jimmy Butler. Both parties have expressed strong interest in acquiring Textor's stake, potentially resolving the UEFA dilemma and injecting fresh impetus into the club. Johnson, who previously attempted to buy Chelsea in 2022, is reportedly in advanced talks to invest a substantial sum, around £200 million, into Crystal Palace. This move would mark his entry into English football and could pave the way for Palace's participation in the Europa League.
Adding a surprising twist, six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has joined a US-based consortium preparing a bid exceeding $200 million for Eagle Football's stake. Butler, known for his love of soccer and friendship with Brazilian star Neymar, would join a growing list of American athletes investing in English football, including Tom Brady and JJ Watt. This consortium is led by former Morgan Stanley executive Bejan Esmaili and ex-Roc Nation attorney Wajid Mir.
The potential change in ownership has sent ripples of excitement and speculation through the Crystal Palace fanbase. A successful acquisition by either Johnson or the Butler-led consortium would not only resolve the UEFA issue but could also herald a new era of investment and ambition for the club. The value of Crystal Palace would reportedly skyrocket to a reported $465 million should either deal go through.
While Johnson brings a wealth of experience in sports ownership, his tenure with the Jets has been marked by periods of underperformance. Palace fans will be hoping that his approach to football club ownership would be more successful. Butler's involvement, on the other hand, adds a celebrity appeal and could attract new fans and sponsors to the club.
The clock is ticking for Crystal Palace. With UEFA's decision looming, the need for a swift resolution is paramount. Whether it's Johnson's financial muscle or Butler's star power, the arrival of new investment could be the catalyst needed to secure their place in Europe and propel the club to greater heights. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining the future of Crystal Palace, and whether Woody Johnson or Jimmy Butler will emerge as the club's potential savior.
