The buzz around Crystal Palace potentially missing out on Europa League football next season due to a multi-club ownership technicality is as frustrating as it is absurd. The issue reportedly hinges on John Textor’s shareholding in Palace and his involvement with Lyon - two clubs that have both qualified for the European competition. However, anyone who follows Palace knows that Steve Parish runs the show, and Textor, while an investor, isn’t involved in the day-to-day operations. This is clearly a rule that UEFA can navigate if they choose to.
It would be a massive disservice to Palace, their players, and their fans if they were penalized for what is essentially a bureaucratic hiccup. The team earned their spot on the pitch, not through backdoor dealings or technical loopholes. Eberechi Eze, Mateta, Munoz and co. gave us one of the most refreshing runs in English football this season. Denying them a European campaign over an issue so far removed from footballing merit would undermine the very spirit of fair play UEFA claims to uphold.
Let’s be honest, if this were one of the big clubs in the top five leagues, this wouldn’t even be a story. UEFA would have bent themselves backwards to “find a way.” In fact, reports say Textor is willing to sell his shares in Palace to resolve the matter. That alone should be enough. Football should reward sporting achievement, not punish it over fixable paperwork. Anything less would just prove, once again, that there’s one rule for the elites and another for everyone else.