Crystal Palace in the Europa League: Nottingham Forest write to UEFA to say Eagles are in breach of multi-club ownership rules

June 9, 2025

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was himself forced to step aside from day-to-day running of the club when it looked like Forest might qualify for the Champions League, knowing there would be an obvious conflict of interest with the Greek billionaire’s other European club, Olympiakos, who had already qualified.

Marinakis put all his Forest shares into a blind trust and promised to have no involvement in decision-making at the City Ground, to comply with UEFA rules.

However, Forest’s failure to beat Chelsea on the final day of the season meant they missed out on Champions League football, avoiding any clash with Olympiakos. As a result, Marinakis has retaken his place at the helm and taken back his Forest shares.

As reported by Sky Sports News, Palace’s bosses attended a meeting in Nyon, Switzerland last week with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body in preparation for a decision by European football’s governing body, which is expected to come in the next three weeks.

That has led to Forest’s decision to write to UEFA with their own observations and to stress they feel there is a conflict of interest, because American businessman John Textor owns just under 30 per cent of the shares in Palace whilst also owning a stake in the French club Lyon – who are already guaranteed Europa League football.

Palace argue that all decisions relating to the way the club is run are down to the executive chairman, Steve Parish, and Textor has no direct involvement with the way the club is run.

Furthermore, it is thought Textor has offered to stand down as a director of Palace to avoid any conflict of interest, but it is understood Forest have pointed out that the south London club have missed UEFA’s deadline to do so. Marinakis’ decision to make a similar move happened at the end of April.

The dispute could result in a lengthy legal battle, although the draw for the league phase of the Europa League – which is the stage Palace would join the competition – is not until August 29.