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Tag: Crystal Palace

  • Forest ask for clarity over Palace’s Europa League place

    Forest ask for clarity over Palace’s Europa League place

    Nottingham Forest have asked UEFA for clarity after expressing their concerns over Crystal Palace’s Europa League place.

    The Eagles won the FA Cup to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, but UEFA must decide if they have breached its multi-club ownership rules.

    Uefa’s final ruling will centre on American businessman John Textor, owner of Eagle Football – which holds a 43% stake in Palace.

    Eagle Football also owns a 77% stake in French side Lyon, who – like Palace – have qualified for next season’s Europa League.

    Uefa’s rules state “no individual or legal entity” can hold a majority of shareholder voting rights at two clubs in the same European tournament.

    Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, earning a Europa Conference League play-off spot, but stand to gain if Palace are unable to compete in Europe and could be lifted to the Europa League.

    Sources have told BBC Sport they have issued their reservations to Uefa.

    Uefa’s regulations are in place to prevent collusion between clubs. Palace’s argument is their historic FA Cup win – beating Manchester City 1-0 last month – and European qualification was an achievement accomplished entirely on their own merit.

    The club have insisted they are an entity which operates entirely independently, not within the structures of a multi-club model.

    Palace also say there has been no employee, backroom staff or coach sharing with Lyon, no dialogue, no collaborative strategy, no combined partnerships, sponsorships or commercial deals and no collective scouting, analysis or software collaborations.

    Read Also: Why Crystal Palace may miss Europa League despite qualification

    Forest have avoided this issue after owner Evangelos Marinakis diluted his control of the club.

    The Greek businessman also controls Olympiakos, as well as Portuguese side Rio Ave and, at the time, Forest and Olympiakos were both on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

    Forest complied with the rules after Uefa changed the date to 1 March for clubs to highlight potential issues in ownership structures as it was becoming unmanageable to go through the checks required from the previous deadline of 1 June.

    The first and second qualification rounds of the Europa League and Conference League are in July.

    At that point Palace had not acted despite qualification through the FA Cup being a possibility.

    BBC Sport contacted Uefa and Palace who declined to comment.

  • Why Crystal Palace may miss Europa League despite qualification

    Why Crystal Palace may miss Europa League despite qualification

    English Premier League club Crystal Palace qualified for the Europa League after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final but the historic achievement is under threat due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.

    UEFA prohibits individuals from holding influence over multiple clubs participating in its competitions simultaneously. This rule aims to maintain the integrity of European tournaments by preventing conflicts of interest.

    Two major shareholders of Crystal Palace are at the centeyr of this issue:

    John Textor: Holds a 45% stake in Crystal Palace and is the majority owner of Olympique Lyonnais, a French club that also qualified for the Europa League.

    David Blitzer: Owns an 18% share in Crystal Palace and has significant holdings in Brøndby IF, a Danish club set to compete in the Europa Conference League.

    Read Also: Crystal Palace star weds heartthrob in London, wow in Nigerian traditional attire

    The simultaneous qualification of these clubs for European competitions has triggered UEFA’s scrutiny.

    In an attempt to comply with UEFA regulations, Textor and Blitzer proposed transferring their shares in Crystal Palace to a blind trust, a strategy previously accepted by UEFA in similar situations.

    If UEFA enforces its rules strictly and Palace’s owners are unable to find a solution, Crystal Palace could be barred from participating in the Europa League. In such a scenario, Nottingham Forest, who finished higher in the Premier League, might take their place, with Brighton potentially moving into the Conference League .

    John Textor has indicated plans to sell his stake in Crystal Palace to resolve the conflict. However, completing such a transaction before the Europa League draw on June 17, 2025, remains uncertain.

  • FA Cup: Eze scores as Crystal Palace stun Man City to win first major trophy  

    FA Cup: Eze scores as Crystal Palace stun Man City to win first major trophy  

    Crystal Palace have won the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, securing their first-ever major trophy.

    Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute goal put Palace ahead with their first attack of the match, before an inspired Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty.

    Ten minutes of extra time were added to the second half, but the Eagles held on. “No words, man,” said a stunned Eze to ITV.

    “I can only thank God. This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?

    “We’ve made history today. The tactics were good, but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”

    Crystal Palace keeper Henderson could count himself fortunate to still be on the pitch after he earlier appeared to deny Erling Haaland a scoring opportunity when he handled the ball outside of his area.

    Haaland has now failed to score in six appearances at Wembley and eight City finals.

    Read Also: NFF to organize Coach Educators’ programme in June

    City manager Pep Guardiola was hoping to win the 19th trophy of his tenure. His side’s defeat comes after a bitterly disappointing campaign, which could yet see them miss out on the Champions League next season.

    A tense exchange between Guardiola and Henderson saw the Crystal Palace goalkeeper tell ITV: “I just went to shake his hand, but I think he was disappointed with the time wasting. I said, ‘You got your 10 minutes you were wanting’.

  • Eze powers Crystal Palace to historic FA Cup title against Man City

    Eze powers Crystal Palace to historic FA Cup title against Man City

    Crystal Palace were crowned FA Cup champions for the first time in the club’s 120-year history after a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

    Eberechi Eze’s decisive first-half strike was enough to seal the historic win, as the Eagles pulled off a major upset against a City side that dominated possession and created more chances throughout the game.

    Pep Guardiola’s team, led by Erling Haaland in attack and Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating from midfield, had the lion’s share of the ball but failed to make it count. Stefan Ortega was preferred in goal over Ederson Moraes, while Palace fielded their strongest XI, with Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and Eze as the creative spark.

    City began the match with their trademark control, boasting nearly 80% possession in the opening stages. Haaland came close to scoring at the back post, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial save to keep the scores level.

    Read Also; Ondo hunters nab two suspected kidnappers

    Despite being pinned in their own half, Palace capitalised on their second venture forward. Daniel Muñoz led a swift counterattack, which ended with Eze firing home what would become the match-winning goal.

    The game saw controversy shortly after, when Henderson appeared to handle the ball just outside the area to deny Haaland. Though there were calls for a red card, VAR ruled the Palace keeper would not be sent off as Haaland was deemed to be moving away from goal.

    Manchester City had a golden opportunity to equalise when Bernardo Silva was brought down in the box. Surprisingly, Haaland allowed Omar Marmoush to take the penalty, but Henderson again came to Palace’s rescue, diving low to his right to save.

    Palace thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Ismaila Sarr’s run from a deep throw-in resulted in a goal, but the flag went up for offside.

    City kept pressing for an equaliser, with Jeremy Doku and Haaland both squandering chances late on. In the end, Palace held firm to record their first win over Manchester City in nine meetings and secure a historic FA Cup triumph.

    For Manchester City, the loss marked the end of the season without silverware — the first time the Guardiola era has finished trophy-less since his debut campaign in 2016/17.

  • FA will not charge Palace or Guehi over armband message

    FA will not charge Palace or Guehi over armband message

    The Football Association will not take formal action against Crystal Palace or club captain Marc Guehi after the defender again displayed a religious message on his kit.

    The England centre-back was reminded about the FA’s regulations over religious messaging after writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow captain’s armband for Saturday’s match against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.

    Guehi ignored the reminder and displayed a ‘Jesus loves you’ message on his armband during Tuesday night’s win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

    The rainbow armbands are being worn as part of the Premier League’s LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative in association with the charity Stonewall. Team captains are encouraged but not required to wear one.

    FA rules prohibit the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message”.

    Read Also: Euro 2024: Guehi rallies England behind under-fire Southgate

    BBC Sport has been told the FA will not take any formal action against Guehi or Palace but it has once again reminded the club about regulations regarding messaging on kits.

    Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband in Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest or Tuesday night’s loss to Guehi’s Palace at Portman Road.

    The club said his decision was because of his “religious beliefs”.

  • EPL: Jean-Philippe Mateta scores crucial winner for Crystal Palace against Tottenham

    EPL: Jean-Philippe Mateta scores crucial winner for Crystal Palace against Tottenham

    Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half strike clinched Crystal Palace’s first Premier League win of the season as they edged lacklustre Tottenham.

    After being reinstated to the starting line-up, the Frenchman broke the deadlock after Spurs defender Micky van de Ven was easily dispossessed deep in his own half and, following a scramble in the box, Mateta powered home his second goal of the season.

    Ange Postecoglou’s side responded well after falling behind and Van de Ven’s spinning effort from a corner deflected off the thigh of team-mate Brennan Johnson before bouncing off the post.

    In the final stages of the first half, Palace keeper Dean Henderson was finally called into action as he produced a wonderful, fingertip save to deny James Maddison on his 200th top-flight appearance.

    After some fine work from Johnson early in the second half, Dejan Kulusevski was unable to level, while Palace’s Eberechi Eze squeezed the ball under Guglielmo Vicario, but the offside flag was rightly raised.

    Read Also: Rising star Asher Chris Agbinone impresses for Crystal Palace in EPL debut

    England forward Eze was a constant thorn in Spurs’ side and incensed when a penalty was not awarded after he was pulled down in the area.

    Substitute Richarlison could then only smile at the Palace crowd when he poorly failed to make contact on Pedro Porro’s dangerous ball into the six-yard box.

    At the other end, Adam Wharton almost scored his first Palace goal with a wonderful right-footed effort from outside of the box, but Vicario was equal to it.

    A desperate Spurs continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but the home defence, who have kept one clean sheet this season, stood firm to lift themselves out of the bottom three.

  • Rising star Asher Chris Agbinone impresses for Crystal Palace in EPL debut

    Rising star Asher Chris Agbinone impresses for Crystal Palace in EPL debut

    Talented youngster, Asher Ofega Agbinone, has become the latest Crystal Palace Academy graduate to make his Premier League debut for the team against Nottingham Forest .

    The 19-year old’s  football journey began at nine, progressing through the ranks to earn his first-team debut against Nottingham Forest  on Monday night.

    Born to a Nigerian father and French mother, Asher Agbinone’s football prowess was nurtured at Crystal Palace’s esteemed Academy. 

    He attended Whitgift secondary school, the prestigious private UK school that Victor Moses passed out from

    Agbinone’s explosive forward play, versatility and goal-scoring ability have captivated fans.

    His key milestones include Under-18 Debut 2021/22,  First U18 Goal (October 2022), scoring the winner against Sheffield United in the Under-18 Premier League Cup, signed his first professional contract, won Crystal Palace’s Goal of the Month with a stunning strike against Tottenham Hotspur U18s and provided the assist for George King’s winner against Plymouth Argyle U18s.

    Read Also: Liverpool edge Chelsea to reclaim EPL top spot

    Asher Agbinone’s impressive performances yielded 20 appearances (18 U18, 2 U21, nine goals, one assist, Featured in the first-team’s pre-season US tour and cored in a 3-1 win against Wolves

    Speaking after his Premier League debut, Agbinone said: “I’m feeling good. Obviously, the result didn’t go as we wanted, so that kind of overshadows it, but I’m still grateful.”

    When asked about his playing style, Agbinone credited his manager and coaching staff, pointing out that, “They encouraged me to take players on when I can”.

    Agbinone’s rise underscores Crystal Palace’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Previously invited to join the England team, he’s poised for greatness ahead of him in his football career.

    The youngster is eligible to play for four countries like former teammate Michele Olise.

     Agbinone  can play for Nigeria, England, France and Congo Brazzaville

  • EPL: Crystal Palace stun Man. United at Old Trafford

    Crystal Palace stunned Manchester United with an injury-time winner to record their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989.

    Full-back Patrick van Aanholt scored in the 93rd minute, smashing in as the ball broke loose following Wilfried Zaha’s burst forward.

    Daniel James thought he had rescued a point for United when he curled in a delightful equaliser in the 89th minute following neat build-up from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

    But Rashford will rue striking the post from the penalty spot – the second spot-kick the Red Devils have missed this week.

    Jordan Ayew had scored the opener in the first half against the run of play, latching on to Jeffrey Schlupp’s flick-on and coolly converting Palace’s first goal of the campaign, before the late drama.

    Elsewhere, Substitute Harvey Barnes’ majestic strike helped Leicester City inflict a first Premier League defeat of the season on Sheffield United in a pulsating affair at Bramall Lane.

    Six minutes after coming on, Barnes fired a half-volley from the edge of the box which flew past home keeper Dean Henderson to dampen what had been a spirited United fightback.

    The superb finish came just eight minutes after the home side had cancelled out Jamie Vardy’s first-half opener, when record signing Oliver McBurnie found a first goal for the club after coming off the bench.

    McBurnie’s header, low into the bottom corner, sent Bramall Lane into raptures and United appeared to have momentum.

    But Barnes then lashed in to give Leicester a first league win of the season and Chris Wilder’s side only their second defeat in 21 matches.

    Moussa Djenepo scored moments after coming on as a substitute to help Southampton secure their first win of the season at Brighton, who had Florin Andone sent off.

    The 21-year-old Malian broke the deadlock in the second half, cutting inside from the left wing before curling a sumptuous effort past Mat Ryan and into the far corner.

    Southampton sealed the points in second-half stoppage time when Nathan Redmond slid home Sofiane Boufal’s cross from close range.

    Brighton had been reduced to 10 men on the half-hour mark when Andone was shown a straight red card following a high, rash challenge on Saints defender Yan Valery.

    The Seagulls had looked comfortable up to that point, with Neal Maupay and Martin Montoya going close to breaking the deadlock in the first half.

    Lewis Dunk thought he had given the hosts the lead seven minutes before the interval, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside against defender Dan Burn.

    Second-half substitute Jurgen Locadia struck the post for Brighton late on, but Redmond’s late goal sealed the points for the visitors.

    BBCSports

     

  • Everton delay Iwobi’s debut hold Palace at Selhurst Park

     

    Everton resisted the temptation to launch their latest new buy Alex Iwobi into the season opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday.  Iwobi who joined the Toffees in the last minute of transfers for £35million was conspicuously missing from the Everton’s line up away against Crystal Palace.

    The Nigerian international who has already been handed the No.17 Shirt will have to wait till next Saturday when Everton host Watford at the Goodison Park to make the much awaited debut.

    Iwobi who was given thumbs up by former club Arsenal for contributing immensely to the successes recorded by the club in his over 15 years sojourn at the Emirates is being tipped to help fire the Toffees to the top four at the end of the season.

    The 23 year old may be tempted to replicate what his uncle and former Nigeria international jay Jay Okocha did for Bolton Wanderers when he joined on free transfer from PSG in 2002. He shunned injury worries then worked so hard to steer the team away from relegation.

    Bolton fans were so impressed with his performance that the team printed shirts with inscription “Jay-Jay – so good they named him twice”.  He scored crucial seven goals including the team goal of the season in the vital league win against West Ham.

    Everton put up a good show against hosts Crystal Palace on Saturday earning a point away to begin their quest for glory on a good footing.

    Crystal palace battle visiting Everton at the Selhurst Park

    In one of the opening matches played Saturday, premier league defending champions Manchester City made mincemeat of West Ham United thanks to a 5-0 demolition with Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero having goal feast.

    Liverpool, who missed the premier league title by whiskers last season, opened proceedings on Friday with a 4-1 defeat of new comers Norwich City.

  • Crystal Palace ends Arsenal’s home run

    Crystal Palace have picked up a 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium in Sunday’s Premier League clash to end Arsenal’s winning home run and dent their London rivals’ top-four hopes.

    The Gunners were seeking a club-record-equalling 11th home top-flight victory in a row, but Unai Emery’s decision to make mass changes to his starting lineup backfired.

    Mesut Ozil temporarily had Arsenal on level terms either side of goals from Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha, with both of those Palace goals being preventable.

    Yet more sloppy defending gifted James McArthur a third goal for the Eagles, which would prove to be the winner as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back late on for Arsenal, who missed out on the chance to move into third place.

    Emery promised to make changes on the back of Thursday’s victory at Napoli, which sealed Arsenal’s place in the last four of the Europa League, and so it proved as just four players survived from that match.

    One of the new faces to come in was Konstantinos Mavropanos, who gave away a needless free kick for the game’s opening goal 17 minutes in.

    The right-sided delivery from Luka Milivojevic was headed past Bernd Leno by a completely unmarked Benteke, ending his year-long goal drought from open play on his 200th Premier League appearance.

    Arsenal’s best chance up until that point fell to Ozil inside the opening minute, but the German midfielder could not find a way past Vicente Guaita from a good position.

    Mohamed Elneny and Martin Kelly also squandered promising opportunities in the opening quarter of the match, both firing volleys over the crossbar once picked out in the box.

    The Gunners soon took control of the match and racked up a couple more openings, with Shkodran Mustafi failing to convert a flick-on at the back post and Alexandre Lacazette dragging wide after losing his balance.

    Arsenal also had a penalty shout rejected when Sead Kolasinac’s cross hit Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the arm, though they were perhaps fortunate not to be further behind at half time as Cheikhou Kouyate was twice denied from the angle by a double Leno save.