Crystal Palace is seeking intervention from the MP’s cultural secretary after demoted from the Europa League
A group of liberal Democrats have urged culture secretary Lisa Nandi to intervene in following what they describe as a “disgraceful” move by UEFA to drop Crystal Palace from the Europa League next season.
Seven lawmakers representing London’s constituency, including party leader Sir Ed Davy, wrote to Nadi to express “deep concern” about the UEFA decision.
Crystal Palace won a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May. This is the first major trophy in the club’s history. However, last week, UEFA announced that the team would compete in the third tier Europa Conference League, citing violations of the multi-club ownership rules.
These regulations prevent the same individual or group from sharing ownership or competing in the same UEFA tournament.
John Text, the American investor at the Palace, also has a dominant interest in Lyon, the French side, who is qualified for the Europa League.
The club had to prove that the multiclub’s ownership structure changed by March 1, 2025.
In the letter, lawmakers described the impact on their fan base as “stimulating.”
There was a major protest outside Selhurst Park last night after Crystal Palace was demoted to the UEFA Conference League after a ruling on the issue of multiclub ownership. pic.twitter.com/idgm77fddw
– TNT Sports Soccer (@footballontnt) July 16, 2025
“It appears that other clubs are experiencing much longer-lasting conflicts without any more serious consequences,” they write.
“Many believe this process is a disproportionately punitive risk, not only undermining the club’s outcomes, but also undermining the public’s confidence in the equity of football governance.”
The letter also appealed to Nandi to ensure that the process is being reviewed for transparency and fairness, saying, “The club is given a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to the allegations.”
Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League as a result of the Palace’s relegation, is in line for them in the Europa League.
On Tuesday, hundreds of Crystal Palace fans took them to the city outside Selhurst Park in protest, marching on banners, opposed the UEFA ruling.
Crystal Palace President Steve Parish confirmed that the club will appeal the UEFA decision in the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS).
“We’re still fighting,” Parrish said. The rest is soccer Podcast.
“We’re going to CAS because there’s an appeal process. We’re very hopeful. I think we have a great legal argument.
“I don’t think this is the right decision at all. I know clearly that John had no decisive impact on the club.
“We know that we have proved it beyond all reasonable doubt because it is true.”