Crystal Palace and Multi-Club Ownership: A Complex Web of Interests
In a recent development that has sparked interest in the world of football, Crystal Palace’s ownership structure has come under scrutiny due to the club’s potential participation in the Europa League. According to a report by the BBC, Palace’s owner, John Textor, has significant interests in several other clubs, including Lyon, Botafogo, and RWD Molenbeek.
The BBC understands that Palace’s qualification for the Europa League has raised questions about multi-club ownership and potential conflicts of interest. Lyon, for instance, finished sixth in the French top flight to initially gain a spot in the Conference League, but were promoted to the Europa League competition after Paris St-Germain – already qualified for the Champions League – won the Coupe de France. As the BBC reported, "Lyon finished sixth in the French top flight to initially gain a spot in the Conference League, but were promoted to the Europa League competition after Paris St-Germain – already qualified for the Champions League – won the Coupe de France."
Textor, an American businessman, initially invested £90m into Crystal Palace in 2021 and owns around 45% of the club through his company, Eagle Football. The BBC notes that Textor also owns 90% of Lyon, sparking concerns about potential conflicts of interest. As the BBC stated, "Through Eagle Football, Textor – who initially invested £90m into Crystal Palace in 2021 – owns around 45% of the club and 90% of Lyon."
The issue of multi-club ownership has been a contentious one in football, with several high-profile cases emerging in recent years. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis recently diluted his control at the club by placing his shares in a blind trust, when it looked like both Forest and Olympiakos – another club the Greek businessman owned – may both qualify for the Champions League. However, sources close to Eagle Football believe putting those Palace shares in a ‘blind trust’ is not an option because Textor and Eagle Football do not have decisive influence over the Selhurst Park outfit.
As the BBC reported, "Because Eagle Football has only has a 45% stake in Palace, the club is not part of the group’s multi-club organisation." This has led to speculation that Textor may try to purchase a controlling stake in Palace, although he has previously tried to buy Everton and also sought a buyer for his Palace shares. In an interview with the BBC last year, Textor said he does not run Palace – chairman and co-owner Steve Parish does – although he can share his views. He also conceded that he and Parish disagree on their views over multi-club ownership.
The BBC understands that Crystal Palace and Uefa have both been approached for comment on this developing story. As the football world continues to grapple with the complexities of multi-club ownership, one thing is certain – the interests of Crystal Palace and its owners will be closely watched in the coming months.
The issue of multi-club ownership is a complex one, and the case of Crystal Palace and John Textor’s interests highlights the challenges that football clubs and governing bodies face in navigating this landscape. As the BBC noted, "He
