American Owner’s EPL Share Dump to Keep Palace in Europa League

Crystal Palace’s thrilling FA Cup victory over Manchester City clinched their first Europa League spot, but co-owner John Textor’s multi-club ties threaten to derail it. He’s ready to dump his shares at a steep discount to dodge UEFA’s rules. Can this bold move save Palace’s European adventure?

The Eagles’ FA Cup triumph, powered by Eberechi Eze’s stunning goal earned Palace a 2025/26 Europa League berth. However, UEFA’s strict rule barring individuals from controlling multiple clubs in the same competition puts Palace at risk (UEFA.com). Textor’s Eagle Football group, with a 43% stake in Palace and 90% in Lyon, also Europa League qualifiers, creates a conflict (BBC Sport).

Textor’s $115 million investment in Palace in 2021 revitalized the squad and upgraded the academy. He joined co-owners Steve Parish, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer on the board, though Parish leads operations (football.london). The trio met UEFA in Switzerland Tuesday, arguing Textor’s 25% voting rights don’t grant control (The Guardian).

No decision emerged, but UEFA’s ruling is expected within days (The Standard). Textor, who once sought to buy Palace outright and later eyed Everton, now offers to sell his shares at 25% of market value to secure Palace’s European spot. Sources confirm his readiness to take the financial hit (The Mirror).

Lyon secured their Europa League place after finishing sixth in Ligue 1, boosted by Paris St-Germain’s Coupe de France win (Ligue1.com). Palace, 12th in the Premier League, could lose their spot to Nottingham Forest or Brighton, with co-owner Blitzer’s stake in Danish club Brondby blocking a Conference League fallback (The Independent).

A blind trust, used by Nottingham Forest’s owner, isn’t viable, because Textor lacks decisive influence over Palace (GB News). Palace’s case hinges on Parish’s leadership and no shared players with Lyon, despite Textor’s role in hiring manager Oliver Glasner. The Eagles’ European fate rests on UEFA’s verdict.

Textor’s willingness to dump his shares shows his commitment to Palace’s historic moment. Fans await whether their FA Cup glory will bring European nights or a bureaucratic bust. Will Textor’s sacrifice keep Selhurst Park soaring?