Crystal Palace considering legal action over possible Europa League ban

Crystal Palace have grown increasingly exasperated at the delay in Uefa's ruling over their Europa League future and feel they are being unfairly treated, BBC Sport understands.

Well-placed sources have indicated the south London club will also almost certainly launch a legal fight against any decision to ban them from the competition next season.

There are frustrations at Selhurst Park that the delay in ruling whether Palace have breached multi-club ownership (MCO) rules in relation to American businessman John Textor's involvement at Palace and Lyon is aiding the French club's fight to stay in next season's Europa League at the expense of the Eagles.

Uefa were due to reveal on 27 June whether Palace were cleared to play - but the decision was put back to this week.

On Monday, the governing body confirmed a final decision would be postponed until Lyon's domestic appeal against their relegation from the French top flight.

Despite their enforced relegation, Lyon can currently compete in European competitions next season.

However, if the French football authorities uphold Lyon's demotion into Ligue 2, Lyon would relinquish their licence to play in Uefa competition - paving the way for Palace to play in the Europa League.

Uefa's decision to wait is believed to have annoyed members of Palace's hierarchy, who feel the club are being unfairly treated because of their lack of pedigree at European level.

There is a sense at Palace that Lyon are being afforded extra time to get their finances in order to aid their relegation appeal, while Palace are being penalised for missing Uefa's 1 March deadline to re-organise their ownership structure to comply with MCO regulations.

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