Nottingham Forest await confirmation on which European competition they’ll compete in next season.
Nottingham Forest could be handed a Europa League spot for the 2025/26 season, with reports suggesting there’s a “real possibility” they may be upgraded from the Europa Conference League. Although Forest are guaranteed European football next term, which competition they’ll play in is still uncertain.
Their European status is tied to Crystal Palace, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, while Forest earned a Conference League place by finishing seventh in the Premier League. However, Palace’s involvement is now under threat due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, raising the prospect that Forest could take their Europa League spot.
According to Sky Sports, Palace “genuinely fear” they’ll be demoted to the Conference League. UEFA was expected to rule on the situation earlier this week but postponed its verdict. Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol revealed that while Palace have support from fellow Premier League clubs, their lack of European history may work against them. He noted that Palace are starting to feel like “a pawn in the chaotic world of multi-club ownership.”
Solhekol added that Forest replacing Palace in the Europa League is now a real possibility, pending a decision from France’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, which is due to meet on Friday. The DNCG’s decision will be crucial, as it could determine whether Lyon—a French club also linked to Palace’s outgoing shareholder John Textor—will be allowed to compete in Europe.
UEFA regulations prevent clubs with shared ownership from playing in the same competition. Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League, risk being barred if their relegation to Ligue 2—triggered by financial issues—is confirmed. The French club is currently appealing that decision, and Textor has since stepped down from his leadership roles at Lyon.
Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly growing frustrated with the delay in UEFA’s ruling. According to the BBC, the club believes they are being unfairly treated due to their lack of European pedigree, while Lyon appears to be given time to sort out their finances. Palace’s inability to meet UEFA’s March 1 deadline to reorganise their ownership structure may now cost them.
UEFA’s latest statement confirmed the postponement of their assessment of the Palace-Lyon situation, citing Lyon’s financial settlement and pending relegation appeal. More details on the case are expected in due course, leaving Forest’s potential Europa League promotion hanging in the balance.
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