Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze says he remains optimistic that the club will keep its place in next season’s UEFA Europa League, despite concerns over a potential breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.
Eze, who is of Nigerian descent, played a key role in Palace’s qualification after their FA Cup final victory secured a Europa League berth.
However, the club’s minority shareholder, John Textor, also owns French side Olympique Lyonnais, who have likewise qualified for the same competition.
Under UEFA rules, clubs under shared ownership are not permitted to compete in the same European tournament to protect sporting integrity.
Palace have entered discussions with UEFA to clarify their eligibility, and Eze is hopeful that a solution will allow them to participate.
“I really hope that that’s not the case (removed from the Europa League) and I hope that Palace do get the reward for that (FA Cup win), because of what it took to actually achieve it,” he said.
“It would be a huge shame if that was the case, but I’m trusting that it will work out in the end. I’m sure it will work itself out and it should work itself out, because there are players who have worked to be in this position,” Eze added.
UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules have previously led to clubs being barred or moved between European competitions, and the final decision may hinge on which club is deemed to have stronger influence or control from the common owner.
Palace and Lyon both await clarity, but the situation has raised questions about the growing trend of multi-club models in modern football.
