Crystal Palace learn Conference League opponents after demotion from Europa League

The Eagles are still digesting the disappointment of being barred from the Europa League as a result of falling foul of multi-club ownership rules, but they have now discovered who they will play in the Conference League play-offs; they will play Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK. 

Fredrikstad were defeated 5-1 by Danish side FC Midtjylland on aggregate in the Europa League qualifiers and have, as a result, dropped into the Conference League play-offs. They are one of the most successful clubs in Norway, having won the league title nine times. However, they have never played in a European group stage. 

Palace will welcome their Norwegian opponents to Selhurst Park on Thursday August 21. The second leg takes place at Fredrikstad's 12,000-seater stadium. 

Palace play Chelsea in their Premier League opener this weekend before they face Fredrikstad. After that, three days later, they face a grudge match against Nottingham Forest, the team who replaced them in the Europa League.