Eddie Nketiah's Crystal Palace demoted from Europa League to Conference League

Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah will now play in the UEFA Conference League next season after the club was demoted from the Europa League following a breach of multi-club ownership rules.

UEFA announced the decision this week, citing Palace's failure to restructure its ownership ties before the March 1 deadline.

Nketiah, who is of Ghanaian descent, joined Palace from Arsenal at the beginning of the recently concluded season.

He played a crucial role in the club’s FA Cup triumph, making five appearances, scoring twice, and providing one assist during the competition.

His performances helped the Eagles qualify for Europe for the first time in over a decade.

However, Palace's Europa League place could be handed to Nottingham Forest after UEFA ruled that Eagle Football Holdings—owned by American businessman John Textor—holds decisive influence in both Palace and Lyon, who also qualified for the same competition.

Under UEFA regulations, clubs with shared ownership influence cannot compete in the same European tournament.

Lyon, who finished higher in Ligue 1, retain their Europa League place, while Palace will compete in the Conference League.

Palace argued that Textor does not exert decisive control at the club, but UEFA rejected their claim. The club may appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.