Crystal Palace is optimistic about their appeal against UEFA’s decision to downgrade them from the Europa League as they present their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday.
Chairman Steve Parish arrived in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, expressing confidence in their chances of success.
UEFA’s ruling came after it was determined that John Textor’s ownership of shares in both Crystal Palace and Lyon violated rules regarding multi-club ownership, leading to Palace’s demotion to the Conference League. Since then, Textor has sold his shares in Palace to Woody Johnson, another US businessperson. Consequently, Nottingham Forest, a Premier League rival, reclaimed the Europa League spot.
Palace perceives the hearing in Switzerland as vital for reversing what they consider an unjust ruling. Initially, Parish and the club had collaborated with UEFA to retain their Europa League status, but they expect a more forceful legal strategy during the one-day CAS hearing.
Their arguments will highlight perceived disparities in how UEFA applies its rules, suggesting that richer clubs receive preferential treatment. They will contrast their situation with others, such as Manchester City and Girona, which previously competed in the same European tournament.
The appeal’s decision is anticipated on Monday, a day after Palace competes against Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley. The potential financial repercussions of playing in the Conference League instead of the Europa League could reach £20 million for Palace, complicating efforts to retain star players.
Parish denounced UEFA’s actions as “one of the greatest injustices in the history of European football.” He criticized the ruling as draconian and stated that the club was not operating under a multi-club ownership structure, emphasizing the disparity in the treatment of clubs based on their financial clout.
