UEFA Delays Decision on Lyon and Crystal Palace's Multi-Club Ownership Case

UEFA has decided to delay its judgment on the multi-club ownership case concerning Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace until the verification of the French club's relegation status is complete. The governing body of European football announced this decision on Monday, highlighting the complexities surrounding shared ownership rules.

The multi-club ownership regulations stipulate that clubs owned by the same entity cannot compete against each other in the same European tournaments. With American businessman John Textor holding stakes in both Crystal Palace and Lyon, the stakes are high. Palace secured a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, while Lyon achieved their position by finishing sixth in Ligue 1, though they have since faced relegation to Ligue 2 after a financial audit by the DNCG.

Lyon's management is currently contesting the relegation decision, and this appeal will be pivotal for UEFA's Club Financial Control Body before finalizing its decision. Meanwhile, UEFA and Lyon reached a settlement that would exclude Lyon from European contests if the DNCG confirms their downgrade. This development follows the exclusion of Drogheda United over similar multi-club ownership regulation breaches.

(With inputs from agencies.)