Crystal Palace: John Textor speaks out as UEFA prepare to deliver Europa League ruling | OneFootball

Textor insists he never had decisive influence at Selhurst Park

Outgoing Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor insists he didn't have decisive influence at Selhurst Park, as UEFA prepare to deliver their ruling on whether the club can play in the Europa League next season.

The French club have successfully appealed against relegation to Ligue 2, which could affect Palace’s hopes of playing in the Europa League.

UEFA rules on multi-club ownership prevent two teams playing in the same competition if an individual or ownership group is considered to have a decisive influence over them both.

Palace qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup

AP

There is a chance Palace could be demoted to the Conference League, with Nottingham Forest taking their place in the Europa League.

But Textor, who has agreed to sell his shares in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, has argued he has never have a decisive influence in Palace.

“I'll admit to not even thinking about the issue”" Textor told Talksport. “But I also read the rule. The rule is very clear. If you have decisive influence, you may need to consider this. I don't. I didn't.

“If I had decisive influence I would have been trying to sell the club back in June 2024.”

UEFA are due to provide their ruling on Palace's participation in the Europa League in the coming days.

Textor said: “I am dumb enough and successful enough to not predict in advance what a governing body is going to say. I think it's insulting to them, I think they deserve to make a decision, and I don't want to prejudge it."

Palace will almost certainly launch a legal fight against any decision to ban them from the Europa League next season.