Crystal Palace fans are up in arms following UEFA's decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League. The decision, announced on Friday, has sparked widespread outrage, especially considering Crystal Palace secured their spot in the Europa League after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May. This victory marked a historic moment for the club, securing their first major trophy.
UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) ruled that because John Textor, who has a controlling stake in both Crystal Palace and Lyon through Eagles Football Holdings Ltd, only one of the clubs could participate in the Europa League. Lyon, by virtue of their higher league position, was given preference. UEFA regulations stipulate that clubs under the same ownership cannot compete in the same competition. Textor is reportedly in the process of selling his shares in both clubs. He has also stepped down as Lyon president, but remains co-owner.
The Holmesdale Fanatics, a Crystal Palace supporters group, organized a protest that took place Tuesday evening. Hundreds of fans marched from Norwood Clocktower to Selhurst Park, the club's stadium. Fans carried banners expressing their displeasure, including one declaring "UEFA: MORALLY BANKRUPT. REVOKE THE RULING NOW". The Fanatics used their X account, "@ultrascpfc," to rally support, inviting all football fans disillusioned with the current state of the sport to join their cause. The group emphasized the need for collective action to combat the moral and financial corruption they believe plagues modern football.
Club chairman Steve Parish has strongly criticized UEFA's decision, calling it "a bad day for football" and "a terrible injustice". The club is currently weighing its options and may appeal UEFA's verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In the meantime, a petition urging UEFA to reconsider its decision and reinstate Crystal Palace to the Europa League has garnered over 3,000 signatures since Friday. Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are expected to take Crystal Palace's place in the Europa League, although UEFA has yet to confirm this.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, the Crystal Palace fanzine "Five Year Plan" is encouraging fans to flood UEFA with emails to voice their concerns and disappointment. The fanzine suggests fans address their emails to UEFA, urging Aleksandr Ceferin's personal intervention.
