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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated that being demoted to the Conference League would feel like the team is being “punished, but being innocent,” following a UEFA ruling on multi-club ownership.
The club, which won the English FA Cup last season, is in a dispute with UEFA over their spot in the Europa League.
The issue stems from American businessman John Textor, who UEFA determined held control or influence over both Crystal Palace and French club Lyon as of March 1.
Under UEFA regulations, two clubs with the same owner cannot compete in the same European competition.
Lyon was awarded the Europa League spot due to a higher league position, relegating Palace to the Conference League.
Glasner expressed his frustration with the decision, telling reporters that the feeling of being punished “when you haven’t done something wrong” is difficult.
He noted that the team would have celebrated a Conference League spot had they qualified for it by finishing seventh in the league, but this situation feels different.
The club has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a verdict expected on Monday.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Glasner insisted that the team remain focused on what they can control.
He said the issue was mentioned only once during preseason training, as the team is concentrating on their upcoming match against Premier League champions Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
The manager confirmed the club will accept the final verdict from CAS on August 11. Textor, who has since sold his stake in Palace, finalised the deal in late July.
