Eberechi Eze breaks silence on Crystal Palace’s potential European disqualification: ‘Huge shame’




Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has voiced his concerns about the club’s potential exclusion from Europe, describing it as a “huge shame” if it were removed after their historic FA Cup win.Palace’s participation in next season’s Europa League hangs in the balance due to Uefa regulations regarding multi-club ownership.The Eagles secured their European spot through their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.However, American businessman John Textor holds ownership stakes in both the south London club and French side Lyon, who have also qualified for the competition.John Textor is now looking to sell his stake in Crystal PalaceGettyUefa’s rules prohibit the same individual or entity from having control or influence over multiple clubs participating in the same tournament.The governing body held a hearing this week to examine the situation, with a decision expected within the next 10 days.Eze, who is currently training with the England national team in Spain, remains optimistic about the outcome.JUST IN: Chelsea beat host of Premier League clubs to land Ipswich Town star in £30m dealEberechi Eze scored the winning goal in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumphPAHe said: “I really hope that that’s not the case and I hope that Palace do get the reward for that, because of what it took to actually achieve it.””It would be a huge shame if that was the case, but I’m trusting that it will work out in the end.”Eze highlighted the injustice that would befall those who earned European qualification through their cup success.”I’m sure it will work itself out and it should work itself out, because there are players who have worked to be in this position.READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton holds talks with Keir Starmer over cause close to his heart”There are fans who have been with the team throughout the whole season and experienced everything.”It would be unfortunate, but I’m positive that it won’t be the case.”Eze’s overall position remains positive during a potential nightmare scenario that could see the Eagles’ second-ever European qualification taken away from them.Textor has responded to the ownership conflict by offering to sell his 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor also owns French club Lyon, who qualified for the Europa LeagueGettyThis move aims to ensure the club can take their rightful place in European competition next season.After a crunch meeting with Uefa, in which co-owner Steve Parish refused to speak to the media, Textor confirmed his position to sell his stake in the club in a panic move.Textor confirmed: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting.”They listened and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t be trying to sell [my stake] if I did.””We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with Uefa.”Palace are hoping that a panic sale from Textor could prevent them from losing out on their qualification despite alluding to originally wanting to buy more shares in the club before the issue with Uefa arose.The club await the decision from Uefa.