Woody Johnson completes purchase of Crystal Palace shares from John Textor as club await outcome of Europa League appeal | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have confirmed that Woody Johnson’s part takeover of the club has been completed.

The New York Jets owner and American businessman has bought out the shareholding previously held by John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings.

He joins chairman Steve Parish, Josh Harris and David Blitzer as a partner and director of the club.

“I am honoured and privileged to be joining the ownership group of Crystal Palace Football Club,” Johnson said.

“It is an organisation with a proud history, tradition, and deep roots in English football in south London, which I came to admire during my time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“Eagles fans have demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, passion, and unwavering dedication and I am excited to meet and get to know them.

“I have great respect for Steve Parish and the leadership he has provided over the years. I look forward to working with him and the entire ownership group to build on the club’s recent successes and help shape an exciting future for Crystal Palace.

“This is more than an investment – it’s a commitment to realising the vision for the club, the community, and the culture around Selhurst Park.”

John Textor’s co-ownership of Palace caused the club to be kicked out of the Europa League because he also owns French club Lyon, who also qualified for the competition.

Palace have lodged an appeal against the decision to demote them to the Conference League with the Court of Abritration for Sport (CAS), claiming Textor has never had a decisive influence at Palace.

They also hope the completion of their change in ownership will work in their favour when it comes to their appeal.

Chairman Steve Parish said: “At this exciting time for Crystal Palace, we are delighted to be welcoming Woody to the ownership of the football club, and we very much look forward to working alongside him to build on our historic recent success moving forwards.”