Members of Congress call on culture ministers to intervene after being demoted from Europa League
A group of Liberal Democratic MPs urged Culture Minister Lisa Nandy to step into what they described as the European Union’s “shameful” move to evacuate Crystal Palace from next season’s Europa League.
Seven members of the MPs in London, including party leader Sir Ed Davey, have written to Nandy to express “deep concern” about Uefa’s decision, calling it “a highly unusual and severe punishment for the club, raising serious questions about the fairness and transparency of football governance in Britain.”
Crystal Palace won the FA Cup in May, the first major trophy in club history, and won a place in the Europa League. However, last week the European Union announced that the team would participate in the third-level Europa League in violation of its multi-club ownership rules.
These regulations prevent clubs with common ownership or significant influence from the same person or group from participating in the same European League Championship.
The Palace’s American investor John Textor also has control over French side Lyon, who is also eligible for the Europa League.
The club was asked to prove changes to the ownership structure of multiple clubs by March 1, 2025, with the deadline of the European Union saying the palace did not meet.
In a letter, members of Congress described the impact on their fan base as “heartbreaking.”
A huge protest last night was held outside Selhurst Park last night after Crystal Palace’s ruling on multiple club ownership issues. pic.twitter.com/idgm77fdw
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 16, 2025
“Other clubs seem to have experienced more protracted disputes and the results are less serious,” they wrote.
“Many people think that the process has always been opaque and punitive disproportionate [and] Risk not only undermines the club’s achievements, but also undermines the public’s confidence in the fairness of football governance. ”
The letter also called on Nandy to ensure a re-examination of the process to ensure transparency and fairness, “The club has a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any allegations.”
Nottingham Forest, which finished seventh in the Premier League due to the Palace’s relegation, has now taken a spot in the Europa League.
Hundreds of Crystal Palace fans protested on the street outside Selhurst Park on Tuesday, parading with banners and chanting the ruling of the European Union.
Steve Parish, chairman of Crystal Palace, confirmed that the club will appeal the European Union’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“We’re still fighting,” the parish told The rest is football podcast.
“There is an attractive process, so we go to CAS and we are very promising. We think we have a good legal argument.
“We don’t think it’s the right decision. We know clearly that John has no decisive influence on the club.
“We know we prove this beyond all reasonable doubts because it is true.”
