Former Premier League forward Chris Sutton believes Crystal Palace’s relegation to the UEFA Conference League might strengthen team spirit and togetherness within the club.
The south London side defeated Liverpool in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield on Sunday. Less than a day later, they were informed their challenge against being removed from the Europa League had failed.
Palace had earned their place in the competition by lifting the FA Cup last season, but UEFA imposed sanctions over breaches of multi-club ownership regulations. Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club that the episode should not derail their campaign.
“This is the most successful period the club has had,” he said. “On the pitch, they need to push on and focus on the season ahead. In some respects, it might even make them stronger as a group.”
American investor John Textor, who sold his 43% shareholding in June, is the controlling owner of Lyon, who also secured a Europa League berth. UEFA’s rules prevent clubs under significant shared ownership from participating in the same European competition.
Palace was required to present proof of ownership changes by 1 March 2025 but failed to meet the deadline. The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling confirmed Nottingham Forest’s promotion into the Europa League in their place.
Chances in the Conference League
Palace will meet either Fredrikstad of Norway or Denmark’s Midtjylland in the Conference League qualifying round later in August.
Observer football correspondent Rory Smith suggested the decision could, in the end, benefit Palace. “There’s a good possibility they could lift the Conference League trophy,” he said. “It’s absurd they aren’t in the Europa League and that UEFA didn’t accept this as a simple administrative mistake.”
The Premier League club argued that Textor had no decisive authority in its operations, but UEFA dismissed this reasoning.
Smith added that retaining key players such as Eberechi Eze and possibly Marc Guehi could position Palace among the strongest contenders in the competition. “It might become an unfortunate but ultimately happy twist for the supporters,” he said.
