Nottingham Forest in shock Europa League twist as appeal instantly launched
Nottingham Forest in shock Europa League twist as appeal instantly launched
Nottingham Forest’s Europa League hopes have taken a major twist.
Crystal Palace look set to keep hold of their place in the competition after Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2 after failing to convince French football authorities they have resolved their financial difficulties.
There has been a possibility of Forest being upgraded from the Europa Conference League to the Europa League at the expense of FA Cup winners Palace because of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Palace shareholder John Textor is also president of Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League after finishing sixth in Ligue 1.
Textor is in the process of selling his shares in Palace in an attempt to ensure they are not denied a place in the Europa League – but the situation has taken a shock twist with Lyon’s relegation.
Lyon have confirmed they will appeal the decision, but if their relegation is upheld they won’t be in the Europa League next season, which should mean Palace keep their spot and Forest remain in the Conference League.
Lyon were hit with a provisional relegation back in November after racking up massive debts, and although they have since sold a number of first-team players, French football watchdog the DNCG upheld the relegation following meetings on Tuesday.
The decision was announced by the French Football League (LFP) on Tuesday evening.
Lyon quickly announced they would appeal against what the club called an “incomprehensible decision”.
“Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible decision handed down by the DNCG this evening and confirms that it will immediately appeal,” a statement said.
