Explained: How an email could 'save' Crystal Palace from Europa League demotion as Eagles prepare to battle UEFA at CAS

The Eagles had hoped to grace that competition in 2025-26 after stunning Manchester City in the FA Cup final and winning their first piece of major silverware. An unfortunate saga has played out since then that currently has the south London outfit sat in the Conference League.

That is due to multi-club ownership rules that Palace are considered to have breached as they did not adhere to UEFA guidelines before a deadline on March 1. They remain adamant that American businessman John Textor never boasted "controlling influence" at Selhurst Park, but have still seen him sell his stake in the club to Woody Johnson - owner of the New York Jets franchise in NFL circles.

According to The Telegraph, an email sent by The European Club Association (ECA) - which is run by Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi - told several multi-club ownership groups in October 2024 that UEFA’s March 1 deadline was "not set in stone". It is claimed outstanding issues could be resolved by May 31.

Other clubs - such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa - have negotiated fines for financial breaches in July, which suggests that UEFA are prepared to bend their rules in certain cases.

Palace continue to argue that UEFA’s deadline was never seriously enforced and that they have complied with all regulations. With Nottingham Forest currently filling their spot in the Europa League, the Eagles are taking their case to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).