Palace strike out at CAS, UEFA after losing their appeal

CRYSTAL Palace have issued a statement in the wake of losing their Europa League appeal.

- By JAMES PALLATT

UEFA are expected to confirm Nottingham Forest will replace the Eagles in the Europa League in the new season after Palace lost an appeal against their demotion to the Conference League.

Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after being judged to have breached UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

The Eagles appealed the decision via the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne and the verdict went against them on Monday.

It means Forest are expected to be promoted from the Conference League to take Palace’s place in the Europa League, with the Eagles playing in the Conference League.

Palace's statement read: “At a time when we should be celebrating our victory in the Community Shield at Wembley, the decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless.

“When we won the FA Cup against Manchester City on that momentous day in May, our manager and players earned the right to play Europa League football.

“We have been denied that opportunity.

“It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.