John Textor: Crystal Palace co-owner had European fears moments after lifting FA Cup

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has said he feared the club’s participation in Europe would be in doubt moments after they won the FA Cup in May.

Textor’s involvement with both Palace and French club Lyon looks set to cost the Eagles a spot in the Europa League under Uefa’s rules governing multi-club ownership.

Textor has agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace to fellow American Woody Johnson, who owns NFL team the New York Jets.

Asked what he went through his mind after Palace beat Manchester City at Wembley, Textor told Talksport: “I was very happy, but I felt the gravity of it. And I was concerned on the same day holding the cup next to the Prince [William].

“It was a great moment and I couldn’t have been happier for the fans, but yeah, I was worried about what was coming.”

This week Lyon won an appeal against their relegation from Ligue 1 because of the club’s poor financial state.

French football authorities demoted the seven-time champions into Ligue 2 last month, but that decision has been overturned.

It could affect Palace’s chances of playing in the Europa League next season as Lyon have also qualified for the competition, with Uefa set to rule on the situation at the end of the week.

Textor stressed that while he has “helped” the club, his role at Selhurst Park has not been a majorly active one.

“I help a lot. I showed up during Covid and paid off Covid debt. I helped finish the academy,” he added.

“I am sitting there on the board with four other guys. Steve Parish is making the decisions and bringing us players. He involves us but he doesn’t really listen to us.

“A suggestion from time to time is not the same as decisive influence.”