Nottingham Forest have written to UEFA to raise concerns over Crystal Palace's potential participation in the Europa League, citing possible violations of multi-club ownership regulations.

The issue centres around American businessman John Textor, who holds a 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace and is also the majority owner of Olympique Lyonnais. The French club secured qualification for next season’s Europa League, prompting questions about a potential conflict under UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

Crystal Palace officials have reportedly met with UEFA representatives in an effort to clarify Textor’s involvement and defend their eligibility. However, Forest could stand to benefit should UEFA find Palace in breach of regulations.

Having enjoyed an impressive Premier League campaign and finishing seventh, Nottingham Forest currently hold a place in the Europa Conference League. However, if Palace are barred from competing in the Europa League, Forest may be elevated to take their spot in the higher-tier competition.

According to The Times, Forest have already contacted UEFA to highlight the situation, while Lyon’s eligibility also remains under review. The French side were disqualified from European competition in December by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), only to be reinstated after meeting specific conditions. Nevertheless, Lyon are still under "close monitoring" and risk exclusion from the Europa League next season if any further breaches are identified.

Should Crystal Palace’s case not be resolved in their favour, it could be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Forest are also reportedly prepared to take legal action should Palace retain their place in Europe despite the ownership concerns.

Palace’s shareholders, John Textor and David Blitzer, have offered to place their shares in a blind trust in a bid to comply with UEFA regulations. However, the governing body has reportedly dismissed the move as being too late. UEFA stipulates that any ownership changes affecting eligibility must be completed before 1 March to apply for the upcoming season.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has already acted to avoid similar complications by transferring his shares, as his Greek club Olympiacos have secured a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Further complications could arise given Blitzer’s involvement with Danish side Brøndby, who have qualified for the Europa Conference League. Should Crystal Palace drop into the Conference League, they may encounter the same eligibility issues.

Manchester City and Manchester United faced similar challenges last season, but navigated them successfully by placing their affiliated club shares—Girona and Nice respectively—into blind trusts in time to comply with UEFA's strict regulations.