‘Woody Johnson tipped for full Crystal Palace takeover – Parish exit strategy’
Woody Johnson could complete a full Crystal Palace takeover in the future as Steve Parish may be joined by fellow owners on the way out the door.
From jubilation to uncertainty, Crystal Palace have been embroiled in an unexpected dispute with UEFA over their European competition status next season.
The Eagles were triumphant in the FA Cup, beating Man City in the final at Wembley courtesy of Eberechi Eze who is linked with a move to Arsenal or Tottenham.
The victory ensured Palace would play European football in the Europa League, or so they thought.
Part-owned by Eagle Holdings’ John Textor, the American also owned French outfit Olympique Lyon who will compete in the second-tier European competition.
Under UEFA laws, multi-club ownership is strictly prohibited, preventing both Lyon and Palace competing in the same competition.
After the American sold his majority shares in the French club and London club, it was believed that both teams would be able to play in the Europa League.
But, a court ruling ordered the Eagles to be demoted to the Conference League, despite the 43% stake Johnson bought from Textor.
Johnson to potentially pursue Crystal Palace dominance
With Johnson’s arrival now confirmed it has been suggested that his money could help in the short term, before fellow shareholders Steve Parish, Josh Harris and David Blitzer eventually depart to leave the new man in control.
Speaking on talkSPORT (25 July), ex-Eagles owner Simon Jordan believes that control could shift away from co-owner and chairman Parish at Palace in the future.
Textor selling has shares has given Johnson more influence according to Jordan, as he said: “You now have Woody Johnson, a very influential figure, a very wealthy figure in the Palace boardroom which means one of two things.
“One of the things in my mind is that he [Johnson] could be the ultimate ownership further down the line and an exit strategy for [Steve] Parish, [David] Blitzer and [Josh] Harris.”
Nervy wait for Crystal Palace
Football Insider verdict
Whilst Johnson’s acquisition of Textor’s shares should bode well for Palace’s hopes of playing in the Europa League, they now must appeal to The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The uncertainty of which competition the Eagles will play in next season will likely affect the pre-season preparation for Oliver Glasner.
Europa League’s opponents will be of a very different pedigree to the Conference League, which would alter the Austrian’s approach when it comes to rotation and tactics.
Notable teams in the third-tier European competition include Fiorentina and Strasbourg.
Paralleled with the Europa League, there is a vast gap in class including the likes of Aston Villa, Roma and Porto.
If the ruling was to stand, Nottingham Forest would be the beneficiaries, playing next season in the second-tier continental competition.
For now, Palace must cooperate with the CAS and UEFA, hoping an appeal falls in their favour.