Crystal Palace face being disqualified from next season's Europa League due to Uefa's rules on multi-club ownership, as arch rivals Brighton wait in the wings to take their place.
The Eagles will hold an emergency meeting with Uefa on Tuesday in a desperate attempt to avoid being expelled, according to the Daily Mail.
The club secured their historic European qualification through their shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, qualifying for a European competition for the first time in over 20 years.
However, now they must convince Uefa's Club Financial Control Body that co-owner John Textor's position does not breach regulations governing multi-club ownership.
Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor also owns French club Lyon, who qualified for the Europa League
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The Swiss showdown represents Palace's last chance to preserve their European ambitions for the upcoming season.
American billionaire Textor owns approximately 43 per cent of Crystal Palace's shares, but is also the majority shareholder at French club Lyon.
Both clubs have qualified for the Europa League, creating a direct conflict under Uefa regulations.
Uefa rules explicitly prevent two clubs from the same ownership group from participating in the same competition.
Where such conflicts arise, the spot goes to the team which finished highest in their domestic league position.
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Crystal Palace qualified for Europe after winning the FA Cup this year
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Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1, whilst Palace secured their European place despite finishing 12th in the Premier League through their FA Cup triumph.
Palace would have the option to drop into the Conference League, however Danish side Brondby, owned by Palace co-owner David Blitzer, are also in that competition, after finishing third in their domestic league.
Their defence rests on the argument that Textor holds only 25 per cent of voting rights at Selhurst Park, sharing equal influence with chairman Steve Parish and other partners Josh Harris and Blitzer.
The club maintains that Textor has no operational control over Palace's day-to-day running, with Parish handling those responsibilities.
Palace are confident they will put forward a strong case, arguing there is no relationship between Palace and Lyon in terms of shared facilities, assets or players.
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They contend that Textor cannot make decisions at Selhurst Park in his own right due to his quarter share of voting rights alongside three other partners.
Uefa regulations specifically target individuals holding majority shareholders' voting rights at both clubs, which Palace argues does not apply to Textor's situation.
Should Palace fail to convince Uefa's Club Financial Control Body, the consequences would extend beyond Selhurst Park.
Brighton would find themselves elevated into the Conference League, taking Palace's Europa League spot in what would represent a significant boost for the Seagulls.
The domino effect would see Nottingham Forest move up from the Conference League into Palace's Europa League position.
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Brighton have qualified for Europe just once in their entire history
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Other Premier League clubs have previously navigated similar challenges.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have all taken steps to comply with Uefa's rules, including placing shares in blind trusts to avoid conflicts.
However, it may now be too late for Textor to pursue the blind trust option, with rules dictating such moves should have been completed by March.
The potential exclusion from European competition would deliver a devastating financial blow to Crystal Palace, with significant implications for their recruitment and player retention strategies.
The club had already embraced their European dream, playing the Europa League anthem at Selhurst Park during their final Premier League home fixture of the season.
Disqualification would represent a massive disappointment not only to Palace's loyal fanbase but also to the players.
A result from Uefa's deliberations is not expected for approximately two weeks, leaving the club in limbo during a crucial period for summer planning.
A Uefa spokesperson confirmed: "Decisions regarding multi-club ownership cases for the 2025/26 season will be announced in due course during June.
"We do not comment on individual club cases until an official decision has been made."
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