The Times reported that Nottingham Forest has sent a letter to UEFA, questioning the situation that Crystal Palace may violate the rules of ownership of multiple clubs but still participate in the UEFA Cup. Crystal Palace met with UEFA officials las...
The Times reported that Nottingham Forest has sent a letter to UEFA, questioning the situation that Crystal Palace may violate the rules of ownership of multiple clubs but still participate in the UEFA Cup.
Crystal Palace met with UEFA officials last week in an attempt to avoid being disqualified because American businessman John Tuctor, who owns 43% of the club, also owns the Lyon Club, which has been qualified for the Europa League, and UEFA plans to make a ruling on the matter at the end of this month.
However, the Times learned that if Crystal Palace is found to be in violation of the rules, Nottingham Forest will be replaced from the European Union to the UEFA Cup. Nottingham Forest has communicated in writing with UEFA on the matter. As reported last week, Crystal Palace's Europa League qualification may ultimately depend on whether UEFA allows Lyon to participate in next season's European match.
UEFA Club Financial Control Agency (CFCB) canceled the Lyon European Games qualification in December last year, but it was released after the club met certain requirements. However, Lyon is still closely monitored by the CFCB. If it is found to be violating the settlement agreement, it may be denied the Europa League qualification next season.
If Lyon is allowed to participate, people familiar with the matter believe that the Crystal Palace case may eventually be sued in the Sports Arbitration Court. If Crystal Palace is disqualified, they are likely to appeal to the Sports Arbitration Court, and if Crystal Palace is still found to be compliant, Forest may also file a lawsuit with a Swiss court.
If Crystal Palace is relegated to the European Union, it may cause Leighton to object. According to regulations, if an affiliated club wants to participate in the same European competition, it must complete the separation of ownership structures before March 1. Crystal Palace believes that as FA Cup champions (the first important trophy in team history), they deserve to be qualified for the Europa League.
But competitors such as Forest and Brighton did take measures to separate their ownership structure from other clubs in Europe. Forest owner Marinakis (left above) has diluted control of the forest because he also owns the Olympiacos Club.
The senior executives of Crystal Palace made a position to the CFCB at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Tuesday, emphasizing that regardless of Lyon, the two clubs do not belong to the same ownership group and do not share any employees, facilities or information, so they have not violated the rules. Although Tector's company "League Football Holdings" holds 43% of the shares of Crystal Palace, the club said it does not participate in daily operations. The 59-year-old businessman has only 25% of the voting rights and makes a joint decision with Chairman Parish and two partners Harris and Bulitzer. He has previously publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of voice.
Tector has been trying to sell Crystal Palace shares for months, and if Harris or Bulitzer take over, it will quickly resolve the current dilemma.
Forest and UEFA declined to comment on the matter.
