Sporting merit rendered meaningless – Palace hit out at Europa League demotion

By Rachel Steinberg, PA

Crystal Palace have claimed “sporting merit is rendered meaningless” following UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League and the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s rejection of their appeal.

The FA Cup winners were demoted to the Conference League by European football’s governing body UEFA on July 11th after it determined that, as of March 1st, American businessman John Textor had control or influence at both Palace and French club Lyon.

Palace appealed, but on Monday, the CAS announced the London club had lost their appeal, with Nottingham Forest expected to take their place in UEFA’s second-tier competition.

A statement from the Eagles read: “At a time when we should be celebrating our victory in the Community Shield at Wembley, the decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless.

“When we won the FA Cup against Manchester City on that momentous day in May, our manager and players earned the right to play Europa League football.

“We have been denied that opportunity.

“It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.

“This growing and unhealthy influence has shattered the hopes and dreams of Crystal Palace supporters, and does not bode well for aspirational teams all over Europe competing to progress when rules and sanctions are unevenly applied in the most flagrant way.”

UEFA and the CAS have been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.