The call of the Cultural Secretary MP to intervene after Crystal Palace drops from the Europa League

A group of Liberal Democrat MPs have called on Culture Secretary Lisa Nandi to intervene in following what they describe as UEFA’s « shameful » move to miss Crystal Palace from the League of Europe next season.

Seven MPs representing London constituencies, including party leader Sir Ed Davey, wrote to Nandi to express a « deep concern » about the UEFA decision, describing it as « an extremely unusual and heavy punishment in the club, which raises serious questions about justice and transparency in English football.

Crystal Palace had won a place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May – the first major trophy in club history. Last week, however, UEFA announced that the team would instead compete in the third level of the conference in Europe, citing violations of its ownership rules of many clubs.

These provisions prevent clubs with shared property or significant influence from the same individual or group to compete in the same UEFA tournament.

The American investor of Palace, John Textene, also has a control interest in the French country Lyon, who also qualifies for the Europa League.

As of March 1, 2025, they have been obliged to prove changes in the ownership structures of many clubs, the deadline that UEFA says Palace has not met.

In a letter, MPS defined the impact on the fanbase as « breaking the heart ».

There were huge protests outside the Selhurst Park last night after Crystal Palace was downgraded to the UEFA conference after a solution to the property of many clubs. pic.twitter.com/idgm77fddw

– TNT Sports football (@footballontnt) July 16, 2025

« Other clubs seem to go through much more long -term disputes with less heavy results, » they wrote.

« Many believe that this process was an opaque and disproportionately criminal (s) risks, undermining not only the club’s achievements, but also the public confidence in the justice of football management. »

The letter also called on Nandi to ensure that the process was reviewed for transparency and justice, and that « the club receives a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any statements. »

As a result of the decline of Palace, Nottingham Forrest – who finished seventh in the Premier League – are now online to take their place in the Europa League.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Crystal Palace fans took to the streets in front of Selhurst Park in protest, marching with banners and chanting against UEFA’s decision.

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish has confirmed that the club will appeal UEFA’s decision in the Arbitration Court of Sport (CAS).

« We’re still fighting, » the parish said to The rest is football podcast.

« There is a process of appeal, so we go to CAS and we hope. We think we have great legal arguments.

« We do not think this is the right solution in any way. We know unequivocally that John had no decisive influence on the club.

« We know that we have proven that beyond any reasonable doubt, because that is a fact. »