By Isha - Jun 04, 2025
John Textor, co-owner of Crystal Palace, is looking to sell his 45% stake in the club to comply with UEFA regulations preventing ownership of multiple clubs in the same European competition. This move follows the team's qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League after winning the FA Cup, with UEFA expected to make a decision in the next ten days. Textor's decision to sell his shares also aligns with his interest in acquiring Everton FC, while another co-owner's stake in a different European club adds further complexity to the situation. The sale will determine the future ownership structure of Crystal Palace and their participation in European competitions.
UEFA Europa League via Sportsfile
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John Textor, the American businessman and co-owner of Crystal Palace, is actively pursuing the sale of his 45% stake in the club to ensure the team's participation in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League. This move comes in response to UEFA's regulations prohibiting individuals from owning significant stakes in multiple clubs competing in the same European competition. Textor's ownership of French club Olympique Lyonnais, which has also qualified for the Europa League, presents a conflict under these rules.
Crystal Palace secured their first-ever European qualification by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City. However, their Europa League spot is now at risk due to the ownership overlap with Lyon. UEFA's Club Financial Control Body is currently reviewing the situation, with a decision expected within the next ten days. Textor has emphasized that his voting rights at Crystal Palace are limited to 25%, and he does not have operational control over the club.
Despite this, UEFA's regulations focus on ownership stakes rather than operational control, making the sale of his shares a necessary step to resolve the conflict. Complicating matters further, another Crystal Palace co-owner, David Blitzer, holds a stake in Danish club Brøndby IF, which has qualified for the UEFA Conference League. This additional overlap could pose further challenges under UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. Textor's decision to sell his stake in Crystal Palace also aligns with his interest in acquiring Everton FC.
Premier League regulations prohibit individuals from holding significant stakes in multiple clubs within the league. Textor has confirmed his intention to pursue the Everton acquisition once his stake in Crystal Palace is sold. The sale process is reportedly underway, with several interested parties, including groups from the Middle East and the United States, expressing interest in acquiring Textor's stake. The outcome of this sale will not only determine Crystal Palace's participation in European competitions but also influence the club's ownership structure moving forward. As the situation develops, Crystal Palace fans and stakeholders await UEFA's decision, which will have significant implications for the club's historic European campaign.
