Palace on European demotion: 'This should be a turning point for football' | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have released a strong statement following their failure to be reinstated into the Europa League, calling for a change in football.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed Palace's appeal at being demoted to the Europa Conference League despite winning the FA Cup which should have secured them a Europa League place.

"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," Palace's statement began.

"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."

The statement also sees Palace hit out at 'blind trusts' that have allowed for other clubs who share owners to compete together.

"This should be a turning point for football,

"UEFA must fulfil its mandate to pass coherent rules which are properly communicated and applied, with reasonable cure periods to resolve uncertainty and consistent sanctions, treating all clubs equally with a proper appeal process.

"The European Court of Justice has made it clear that rulings similar to this will be under greater scrutiny from national courts in future. Only then will fairness and due process be granted to every team.

"Although we continue to take legal advice on the next steps, we will compete in the Conference League with the same determination and will to win that characterises this incredible club."

The Community Shield winners are set to face the loser of Fredrikstad or Midtjylland to book their play in the next phase of the Conference League.