Sporting merit rendered meaningless – Palace hit out at Europa League demotion

The CAS on Monday rejected the club’s appeal, meaning they must play in the Conference League.

Crystal Palace feel they have earned the right to play Europa League football. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA

Crystal Palace have claimed “sporting merit is rendered meaningless” following UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League and the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s rejection of their appeal.

The FA Cup winners were demoted to the Conference League by European football’s governing body UEFA on July 11 after it determined that, as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence at both Palace and French club Lyon.