Decision on Palace’s Europa League fate delayed

A decision on whether Crystal Palace can compete in next season’s Europa League has been delayed by Uefa. The Eagles’ place, earned by winning the FA Cup last season, has been under threat because of Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules, which prevents teams under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition. Co-owner John Textor, who also co-owns French club Lyon, has agreed to sell his 44% stake in Palace in a bid to help their case.

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French giants Lyon relegated to Ligue 2 over financial issues

Seven-time French champions Lyon, owned by American businessman John Textor, have been relegated to the second tier of French football due to the club’s financial problems, the French Professional League announced on Tuesday evening. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 and reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League last season, plan to appeal the decision in the hopes of retaining their top flight status.

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Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

Manchester City have signed Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov on a four-and-a-half-year contract until 2029. The fee is believed to be in the region of €40 million a tidy profit for French side Lens who only paid £84,000 for Khusanov from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU 18 months ago.

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Jake O’Brien completes for £17m move from Lyon to Everton

Everton have signed Republic of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien from Lyon for £17m. The 23-year-old centre-back has signed a four-year deal and returns to the Premier League, having only joined the Ligue 1 club from Crystal Palace last year. He went on to play 27 times in the French top flight, scoring four goals.

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Kylian Mbappé joins Real Madrid on a five year deal

France forward Kylian Mbappe says it is a “dream come true” as his long-awaited move to Real Madrid was confirmed, external on Monday evening. Mbappe, 25, will move to the Bernabeu Stadium on a five-year deal when his Paris St-Germain contract expires on 30 June. He will earn €15m a season, plus a €150m signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and he will keep a percentage of his image rights.

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