Palace draw Fredrikstad or Midtjylland amid appeal wait

Despite a persistent appeal over their demotion from the Europa League, Crystal Palace have been drawn against Norwegian side Fredrikstad or Danish side Midtjylland in the play-off round.

Due to a violation of multi-club ownership regulations, Palace was demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League by Uefa.

American businessman John Textor, who owns most of French club Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League, previously owned a stake in the Eagles, which was sold in July.

According to the governing principles of European football, clubs that are owned by the same person or entity must have a certain level of influence before participating in the same European competition.

According to Uefa’s rules, Palace missed the deadline of March 1st, 2025 to present proof of multi-club ownership restructuring.

A hearing for the case is scheduled for August 8 because Palace have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

On August 11th, it is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the case.

The complaint centers on Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, French club Lyon, and Uefa, which issued the punishment.

If the punishment is severe, Forest will take Forest’s place in the Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League last year.

In the interim, Palace will face the winner of Fredrikstad or Midtjylland’s third qualifying round tie against the Conference League champion.

The Eagles will play Selhurst Park for the first game of their tie on August 21 and the second game on August 28.