UEFA fines Crystal Palace over ‘UEFA Mafia’ banner from supporters’ protest | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have been fined €10,000 (£8,693) by UEFA after supporters displayed a banner criticising European football’s governing body during their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad.

The sanction was imposed under Articles 11(2)(d) and 16(2)(e) of UEFA’s disciplinary code for bringing the organisation into disrepute and for transmitting a message deemed unfit for a sporting event.

The banner, which read “UEFA MAFIA” across the governing body’s logo with a Euro symbol replacing the continent map, was unfurled at Selhurst Park during the 1-0 first-leg victory over the Norwegian side.

Similar versions had also been visible at the Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley and at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The protest stems from UEFA’s decision earlier this summer to demote Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League under its multi-club ownership rules.

The south London club had qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May, with Eberechi Eze scoring the decisive goal against Manchester City at Wembley.

However, UEFA ruled that Palace were ineligible because Eagle Football, led by John Textor, held a 43 per cent stake in the club as well as a controlling share in French side Lyon, who had also qualified for the Europa League.

Under the regulations, Lyon’s higher domestic finish of sixth in Ligue 1 gave them precedence, leaving Palace relegated to the third-tier competition.

The decision caused uproar among Palace supporters, who felt the club had been unfairly punished despite earning their place on the pitch. Nottingham Forest were handed Palace’s Europa League spot, adding to the sense of injustice in south London.

Eagle Football have since sold their shareholding in Palace to American businessman Woody Johnson, the New York Jets owner, but resentment towards UEFA remains strong in the stands.

The €10,000 fine is unlikely to deter fans, who have continued to voice their anger in chants and displays throughout the early weeks of the season.

UEFA’s ruling may prompt tighter security checks at Selhurst Park on European nights, but anti-UEFA sentiment is expected to remain a fixture of the club’s atmosphere.

Palace have since progressed into the group stage of the Conference League, yet the dispute over their demotion continues to overshadow what should have been a landmark European campaign.