Crystal Palace consider legal action against UEFA over agonising Europa League participation decision following FA Cup win

BBC Sport claims Palace will 'almost certainly' launch a legal fight against any decision to ban them from next season's Europa League competition. UEFA were due to reveal on June 27 whether last season's FA Cup winners were cleared to play in the tournament, as they await to find out if they have breached multi-club ownership rules in relation to co-owner John Textor's involvement at the club and Lyon.

Palace lifted their first-ever major trophy with their FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May but the dream of playing in Europe next season could be taken from them. The Eagles are said to be growing 'increasingly exasperated' at the delay in UEFA's ruling and feel they are being 'unfairly treated'.

Textor, who has agreed to sell his 43 per cent stake at Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, owns 77 per cent of Lyon through his Eagle Football Group company. Despite him resigning from the leadership board at the French team, who have just been relegated to Ligue 2 due to the club's poor finances, and trying to move on from the Eagles, he could cost the Premier League team European football next term.

While Palace wait to find out their fate from UEFA, if the French football authorities uphold Lyon's relegation, Les Gones would reportedly relinquish their licence to play in UEFA competitions - meaning the London outfit would be able to play in the Europa League.