Nottingham Forest handed Europa League update after twist behind-the-scenes at Crystal Palace – Sky journalist
Nottingham Forest Await European Fate Amid Palace and Lyon Chaos
Nottingham Forest are preparing for European football next season, but uncertainty still surrounds which UEFA competition they will participate in. While the club has secured qualification for Europe after finishing seventh in the Premier League, their exact placement—whether in the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Europa Conference League—remains unresolved.
The current confusion stems from off-field complications involving Crystal Palace, who earned a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup. However, a paperwork blunder linked to former part-owner John Textor has thrown their qualification into doubt, potentially opening the door for Forest to be bumped up to the more prestigious Europa League.
Forest in Limbo as Palace Faces UEFA Scrutiny
Nottingham Forest’s European qualification initially appeared straightforward. Their league finish granted them a ticket to the Europa Conference League, but now the Reds could find themselves competing on a bigger stage—if UEFA intervenes.
Crystal Palace’s Europa League status is under review due to administrative oversights connected to John Textor. The American businessman, who until recently held shares in Palace, is also involved with French club Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon have been relegated from Ligue 1 but are currently appealing the decision in hopes of remaining in France’s top flight.
According to UEFA regulations, multi-club ownership is tightly monitored to avoid conflicts of interest in European competitions. The issue at hand is whether Textor had sufficient influence at both Palace and Lyon during the key registration period. If UEFA determines he did, then Palace’s eligibility to compete in Europe could be compromised.
Sky Sports: Palace Fear Demotion to Conference League
Providing the latest developments on the situation, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed growing anxiety within the Crystal Palace camp. Speaking on air, Solhekol stated that the South London club is “genuinely fearful” of being removed from the Europa League in favour of the Conference League, despite their historic FA Cup triumph.
“Palace have never featured in European competition before,” he said, “and it now appears their lack of experience and reputation in Europe may weigh against them in UEFA’s decision-making process.”
He added that while Palace’s qualification was earned fairly on the pitch, the administrative misstep—primarily the failure to submit essential ownership documentation in time—could prove decisive.
“Other clubs under multi-club ownership complied with UEFA’s rules and submitted the required forms promptly,” Solhekol pointed out. “That Palace didn’t do so could result in UEFA deciding to punish them accordingly.”
Lyon’s Appeal Could Be Decisive
The chaos is further complicated by Lyon’s relegation and subsequent appeal to remain in Ligue 1. Textor has reportedly stepped away from Palace and agreed to sell his shares in the club. Lyon have, in theory, agreed not to pursue European competition if their relegation stands. But should their appeal succeed and they remain in the top division, it could reintroduce the conflict of interest UEFA is desperate to avoid.
“If Lyon are reinstated into Ligue 1, UEFA may be forced to act and move Palace to the Conference League,” Solhekol continued. “In that scenario, Nottingham Forest would be promoted to the Europa League instead.”
Forest and Palace Both in Limbo as UEFA Deliberates
As things stand, Nottingham Forest find themselves in a holding pattern. The club needs clarity on its European status before planning the next steps in its summer recruitment strategy. Competing in the Europa League would not only boost the club’s appeal to higher-calibre players but also potentially unlock greater financial resources for transfers.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are starting to feel like collateral damage in the complex world of multi-club ownership—a system that continues to cause headaches for UEFA and domestic leagues alike. Although the club reportedly has the sympathy of other Premier League teams, sympathy alone may not be enough to sway UEFA’s ultimate decision.
A Crucial Decision with Wider Implications
The delay in final confirmation is frustrating for all parties involved. UEFA’s ruling will impact both clubs’ pre-season preparations, recruitment strategies, and financial planning. More broadly, the governing body faces a crucial test of its regulatory framework. Should they allow Palace to keep their Europa League spot despite possible rule violations, it could set a dangerous precedent—undermining the fairness of the system and weakening enforcement of multi-club ownership guidelines.
For now, Nottingham Forest must remain patient, but the outcome could significantly shape their European journey. One thing is clear: the sooner UEFA provides a definitive ruling, the better for everyone involved.