Palace draw Fredrikstad or Midtjylland amid appeal wait

Crystal Palace have been drawn against Norwegian side Fredrikstad or Midtjylland of Denmark, for the Europa Conference League play-off round despite an ongoing appeal over their demotion from the Europa League.

Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League by Uefa because of a breach of multi-club ownership rules.

Until recently, American businessman John Textor had a stake – which was sold in July – in the Eagles while being the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

The rules of European football’s governing body state that clubs owned, to a certain threshold of influence, by the same person or entity cannot compete in the same European competition.

Uefa’s rules set a deadline of 1 March 2025 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring – a deadline which Palace missed.

Palace have submitted an appeal against their demotion with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) and a hearing for the case is scheduled for 8 August.

It is expected that a decision on the case will be given on 11 August.

The appeal is against Uefa, which issued the punishment, French club Lyon and Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.