Europa League 2025-26: Here's what happens to Brighton and Nottingham Forest if Uefa block Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace face an anxious wait to discover if they can compete in the Europa League next season, with a decision on their fate not expected until late June.

Palace held a meeting with Uefa officials last Tuesday to plead their case to be allowed to play in Europe for the first time.

Oliver Glasner’s team clinched a Europa League spot after they stunned Manchester City to win the FA Cup at Wembley last month – the first major trophy in the club’s history.

However, talk of a European adventure has proved slightly premature, with Palace required to meet with Uefa’s club financial control body (CFCB) to show they do not fall foul of its multi-club ownership rules.

John Textor holds a 43 per cent stake in Palace through his company Eagle Football, while he is also the owner of French club Lyon, who qualified for the Europa League with a sixth-placed Ligue 1 finish.

What are the rules?

No individual is allowed to have a significant say in the running of two clubs competing in the same Uefa competition and the CFCB would have to make a ruling on any potential breach.

Palace are confident no rules have been breached owing to the fact Textor – through Eagle Football – has only a 25 per cent share of voting rights alongside fellow principal owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer and chairman Steve Parish.

Parish is also responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, which has led to past tension with Textor, who had previously tried to sell his shares and take over Everton.

Given Palace believe they have no influence over Lyon and Eagle Football does not have decision-making powers at the Premier League outfit because of the voting structure, the club are hopeful of being able to compete in Europe.

If Palace fail to convince the CFCB, Lyon would keep their Europa League spot due to a higher league finish.

Meanwhile, Brondby, who Blitzer owns, qualified for the Europa Conference League, which prevents the south London club from dropping into that competition.

What have Brighton and Forest said?

Reports emerged on Monday evening that Forest have written to Uefa about the club’s concerns over Palace breaching the multi-ownership rules.

Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season and qualified for the Conference League. The Europa League is far more lucrative than the Conference League and Forest are understandably keen to upgrade next season.

There is also the significant incentive that Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League – something that certainly helped Tottenham last season.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis also also controls Olympiakos but he swerved any potential issue as he placed his shares into the control of three or four other people.

Brighton finished eighth in the Premier League last season – which would have been enough to qualify for the Conference League, had Palace not upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

If Palace are blocked from competing in Europe, Brighton stand to take a Conference League spot and will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of Uefa’s decision.

Brighton have been approached by Sussex World but are so far yet to comment.

When are the 2025/26 Europa League draws?

First qualifying round: 17 June 2025. Second qualifying round: 18 June 2025. Third qualifying round: 21 July 2025

Play-offs: 4 August 2025. League phase: 29 August 2025. Knockout phase play-offs: 30 January 2026

Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final: 27 February 2026.

When are the 2025/26 Conference League draws?

First qualifying round: 17 June 2025. Second qualifying round: 18 June 2025. Third qualifying round: 21 July 2025

Play-offs: 4 August 2025. League phase: 29 August 2025. Knockout phase play-offs: TBC

Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final: 27 February 2026.