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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John Textor sells 43% stake in Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s hopes of playing in Europe next season appear to have been boosted after shareholder John Textor sold his stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Textor’s shares in Palace threatened to be an obstacle to their participation in the Europa League next season because the American is a shareholder in French side Lyon, who are set to enter the same competition.

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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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Xherdan Shaqiri joins Lyon from Liverpool

Liverpool have announced Xherdan Shaqiri has completed a permanent move to Lyon. The Switzerland international, 29, who joined Liverpool from Stoke in 2018, scored eight goals in 63 appearances in all competitions under Jurgen Klopp.

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