Crystal Palace have arrived for their high-stakes hearing – at which they will attempt to have their Europa League demotion overturned.
Chairman Steve Parish led a delegation of seven into the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and said he felt the Eagles were about to present a ‘strong case’.
The delegation arrived at 7.17am for a high-stakes hearing that is due to start at 8am.
Parish, in a blue suit, added that he hoped for a ‘fair’ hearing here in Switzerland. Following their early arrival, in two black Mercedes people carriers, he and the group had to wait for officials to unlock the doors to the building.
‘Nice day for it,’ he joked to reporters.
Palace were effectively relegated to the Europa Conference League after UEFA ruled they had breached their rules on multi-club ownership.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish led a delegation of seven into the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Parish is attempting to have Palace’s demotion to the Conference League overturned
Palace won the FA Cup last season but were subsequently demoted to the Conference League
John Textor was found to be in a position of influence at Palace, with his group also owning Lyon
A UEFA panel found that US businessman John Textor, whose company held a 43 per cent stake in the club, was in a position of influence at Selhurst Park.
Textor’s group also owned French side Lyon, which qualified for the same competition and took priority because they finished higher in their domestic league than FA Cup winners Palace.
Textor has subsequently sold his stake.
Palace are expected to argue that UEFA’s ruling was wrong and will claim double standards were at play, amid allegations other clubs in a similar position were treated differently.
They want UEFA to kick out either Lyon or Nottingham Forest, who took the place they unwillingly vacated.
Forest are also sending a legal team to the hearing.
The case is due to conclude at 3.30pm but may go beyond that. A verdict will be communicated on Monday, before close of business.
