A group of Liberal Democrat MPs have urged Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to step in following what they describe as UEFA’s “disgraceful” move to drop Crystal Palace from next season’s Europa League.
Seven MPs representing London constituencies, including party leader Sir Ed Davey, have written to Nandy to express “deep concern” over UEFA’s decision, describing it as “a highly unusual and severe punishment on the club that raises serious questions about fairness and transparency in the governance of English football.”
Crystal Palace had earned a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May – the first major trophy in the club’s history. However, last week UEFA announced the team would instead compete in the third-tier Europa Conference League, citing violations of its multi-club ownership rules.
These regulations prevent clubs with shared ownership or significant influence by the same individual or group from competing in the same UEFA tournament.
Palace’s American investor, John Textor, also holds a controlling interest in French side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.
Clubs were required to prove changes to multi-club ownership structures by 1 March 2025, a deadline UEFA says Palace did not meet.
In a letter, the MPs described the impact on the fanbase as “heart-breaking.”
There were huge protests outside of Selhurst Park last night after Crystal Palace were demoted to the UEFA Conference League after a ruling on multi-club ownership issues. pic.twitter.com/Idgm77FdDw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 16, 2025
“Other clubs seem to go through much more protracted disputes with less severe outcomes,” they wrote.
“Many believe that this process has been opaque and disproportionately punitive [and] risks undermining not only the club’s achievement but also public confidence in the fairness of football governance.”
The letter also called on Nandy to ensure the process is re-examined for transparency and fairness, and that “the club is given a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any allegations.”
As a result of Palace’s demotion, Nottingham Forest – who finished seventh in the Premier League – are now in line to take their place in the Europa League.
On Tuesday, hundreds of Crystal Palace fans took to the streets outside Selhurst Park in protest, marching with banners and chanting against UEFA’s ruling.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed the club will appeal UEFA’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“We are still fighting,” Parish told The Rest is Football podcast.
“There’s an appeal process, so we go to Cas, and we’re very hopeful. We think we’ve got great legal arguments.
“We don’t think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn’t have decisive influence over the club.
“We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it’s a fact.”
