Exclusive Update: Crystal Palace Takeover Faces Delays Despite Formal Offer for Textor’s Stake
Crystal Palace’s ownership situation remains in flux despite an official bid being submitted to purchase John Textor’s stake in the Premier League club. Sources have informed Football Insider that the American businessman may face a lengthy wait—possibly several months—before he is able to finalize a sale, owing to regulatory complexities and league approval requirements.
Textor, who has been a key figure in Palace’s ownership structure through his company Eagle Football Holdings, is reportedly willing to part with his shares for around £170 million. His motivation stems from a desire to resolve a conflict that threatens Crystal Palace’s eligibility to compete in the UEFA Europa League next season.
The South London club earned their historic place in European competition by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month—a landmark victory that also brought the club its first-ever major trophy. However, Palace’s triumph has been clouded by UEFA regulations that bar two clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same European tournament. Textor’s majority stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais—who also secured a Europa League spot—puts both clubs at risk of disqualification.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Textor and Palace chairman Steve Parish traveled to UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland last week to hold high-level talks with the governing body. The hope was to clarify Palace’s status and explore viable options that would comply with UEFA’s ownership rules.
Complicating matters further, Sky Sports reported on June 12 that Woody Johnson, the American billionaire and owner of the NFL’s New York Jets, has now made a formal offer to acquire Textor’s stake in the club. While this could potentially end the ownership conflict, sources caution that even a successful sale may not resolve the issue in time. The Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test is a rigorous vetting process that can take up to three months to complete—potentially well beyond UEFA’s decision window.
UEFA is expected to issue a final ruling on Crystal Palace’s eligibility for the Europa League later this month. In the meantime, uncertainty looms large over whether the club will be allowed to participate in continental competition or be forced to forfeit its hard-earned place.
Textor’s role at Palace has been a topic of considerable speculation over the past year. Initially, he had considered divesting from the club as he explored a potential takeover of Everton—an effort complicated by Premier League rules that prevent individuals from holding stakes in multiple English clubs simultaneously.
Currently, Textor’s company Eagle Football Holdings controls 43 percent of Crystal Palace, although his personal share via Eagle amounts to about 65 percent of that figure—meaning his individual influence is under 30 percent. Still, this share is significant enough to fall under UEFA’s scrutiny given his controlling interest in Lyon.
Insiders suggest that the most straightforward resolution might be a sale to Palace co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Both already hold 18 percent stakes in the club and have previously passed the Premier League’s ownership vetting process. Their involvement would likely raise fewer regulatory hurdles and could fast-track a resolution to the ownership conflict.
Parish, once a central figure in Palace’s leadership, has seen his ownership stake diluted to below 10 percent over recent years. Despite the turbulence at the executive level, club leadership is pressing ahead with preparations for the upcoming season.
One of the key targets on Palace’s radar is Manchester City prospect Oscar Bobb. Recruitment analyst Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Eagles are actively pursuing the talented Norwegian winger, who is seen as a promising addition to the squad. Bobb had a difficult 2024-25 season, making just four appearances for City after suffering a serious leg injury last August.
As Palace await a crucial decision from UEFA and continue navigating ownership complexities, the club remains focused on strengthening the team and building on the momentum of their historic FA Cup win. The next few weeks could prove pivotal—not just for their European ambitions, but for the long-term direction of the club’s leadership and identity.