The Court of Arbitration for Sport on 11 August dismissed Crystal Palace’s appeal against a UEFA decision that barred the FA Cup winners from the Europa League. The ruling confirms the London club will instead compete in the Europa Conference League this season. UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body had demoted Palace in July, citing its multi-club ownership rules. At the 1 March 2025 assessment date, American businessman John Textor held a 42.9 percent stake in Palace while also exercising decisive influence at Olympique Lyonnais, another Europa League qualifier. CAS found the evidence showed Textor’s dual involvement breached UEFA regulations, which allow no flexibility once the deadline has passed. With the appeal rejected, Nottingham Forest—seventh in the Premier League—moves up to the Europa League, and Lyon retains its place. Palace will enter the Conference League in the play-off round against either Norway’s Fredrikstad or Denmark’s Midtjylland on 21 and 28 August. Textor sold his Palace holding to New York Jets co-owner Woody Johnson last month, but the transaction came too late to affect the case. Analysts estimate the demotion could cost Palace about £20 million in foregone Europa League prize money and broadcast revenue.