Crystal Palace lose appeal to play in Europa League; to feature in Conference League confirmed

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :August 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM

Modified at :August 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM

Eberechi Eze Crystal Palace FA Cup Premier League

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Eagles will participate in the UEFA Conference League this season.

Crystal Palace have been informed that this season they will compete in the UEFA Conference League instead of the UEFA Europa League.

Even though Palace won the FA Cup, they will not be eligible to play in UEFA’s second-tier continental tournament, which gives the winners straight entry into the UEFA Champions League the following season.

After being ordered to be thrown into Europe’s third-tier tournament by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), the Eagles took their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This is because they failed to make plans before the March 1 deadline to adhere to the rules of multi-club ownership.

That deadline was well in advance of Palace’s FA Cup victory and subsequent qualification. They challenged the ruling and took it to CAS. But today’s ruling declared that Palace’s legal struggle was unsuccessful and that they would not be allowed to play in the Europa League.

Palace to play in UEFA’s third-tier competition

Palace will now play in UEFA’s third-tier competition. After finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, Nottingham Forest originally qualified for UEFA’s third-tier, but will now participate in the Europa League.

John Textor, a co-owner of the Premier League team based in Selhurst, South London, was found to have influence on the club’s decision-making process by the governing body. Textor also holds stock in Ligue 1 team Lyon, who, like Palace, earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League for 2025–2026.

However, they have lost the fight and will no longer be able to enjoy the extra money that comes with participating in the Europa League or the glamour of playing that level of football.

According to reports, the London club may lose over £20 million as a result of the decision because the Europa League offers better prize money than UEFA’s third-tier.

Why will Palace play in the Conference League?

As per UEFA regulations, clubs with the same ownership can’t compete together in the same European competition.

Who will play in the Europa League instead of Palace?

Nottingham Forest will play in the competition.

Have Palace ever played in the Europa League?

They have never played in that competition.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.