Palace European fate at stake as Lyon hearing starts

With Lyon’s appeal against their relegation from Ligue 1 set to begin on Wednesday, Crystal Palace will step one step closer to determining whether they can play in the Europa League next season.

Multiple sources have informed BBC Sport that the French club’s hearing has been moved ahead of what was originally scheduled to take place at the end of this week in order to determine whether Palace can compete in the Europa League.

Lyon’s poor financial condition has caused the French football authorities to deduct them from Ligue 2.

The club has filed an appeal against the ruling, with the watchdog for French football now deciding whether to accept Lyon’s relegation or grant them a pardon.

The French side’s position in the Europa League would likely remain if Lyon were to maintain their Ligue 1 status, possibly at Palace’s expense.

If their relegation is upheld, Lyon and Uefa have agreed to be exempt, allowing Palace to participate in the competition.

Due to a alleged violation of Uefa’s multi-club ownership regulations, Palace’s position in Europe is uncertain next season.

The case centers on American businessman John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings.

According to Uefa regulations, clubs owned by the same person or entity can’t compete in the same European competition as those that own stakes in Palace and Lyon.

Although Palace claim Textor lacks any significant influence, Uefa are yet to decide whether to support the Premier League side’s defense.

However, Uefa claims it is unlikely to arrive at its own decision until the week’s end if a verdict is reached on Wednesday.