A decision on whether Crystal Palace can play in the Europa League or not next season could be made as early as today.
The Eagles’ historic place in the Europa League had been under threat under UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership thanks to the fact that Eagle Football Holdings – who had a 43 per cent stake in the club – are also the owners of Lyon.
John Textor, who owns the group, sold his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in a desperate attempt to keep the south London side in the competition following their shock FA Cup Final win over Manchester City.
A decision had been expected by the end of the month after Palace officials flew to UEFA HQ in Switzerland for a crunch summit.
Under UEFA rules, Lyon would have taken the spot in the Europa League because they finished higher (sixth) in their domestic league than Palace (12th).
Palace officials had been due in Switzerland again today, and Mail Sport understands a decision is expected either today or on Monday.
The rules state that in multi-club groups the club which finished in a higher league position take precedent in such circumstances.
Crystal Palace’s European fate could be decided today as UEFA officials meet to reach verdict
Palace face an anxious wait to find out if they can play in the Europa League after winning the FA Cup
John Textor – who also owns Lyon – scrambled to sell his Palace shared in order to help club
Palace have been confident of finding a resolution given that no facilities, players or resources are shared with Lyon.
It is thought that Johnson will be subject to the same set-up as Textor’s firm, in that despite owning 43 per cent of the club, he will only have a quarter share of the voting rights, along with chairman Steve Parish, and US investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Blitzer’s ownership of Danish club Brondby was another potential sticking point should Palace have been ‘demoted’ from the Europa League to the Europa Conference.
Lyon, meanwhile, last year, reported debts of around €500 million (£418m). Textor, though, has insisted the financial state had improved before Lyon stood in front of the DNGC.
The club have been relegated to Ligue 2, but the decision is subject to appeal.
The relegation of the club, who faced off against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, will mean former Premier League stars could line up in the second tier next season.
Former United and Chelsea man Nemanja Matic is on the club’s books, as well as ex-Arsenal duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexandre Lacazette.
They are seven-time Ligue 1 champions, last winning the league in 2008 – their seventh domestic title in a row. Palace and UEFA declined to comment.
