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Crystal Palace Stake Sale: Woody Johnson Bids Amid Europa League Uncertainty
London, June 15, 2025 – Crystal Palace is at a critical juncture. A potential Europa League berth hangs in the balance as shareholder John Textor considers offers for his stake in the club. New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has reportedly made a significant bid.
Johnson’s Offer on the Table
Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, has made a formal offer for Textor’s shares, according to reports. This move could be pivotal in resolving Uefa’s concerns regarding multi-club ownership rules.
Crystal Palace has been actively engaging with Uefa, seeking permission to participate in the Europa League. A final decision is expected before June 30th.
Uefa’s multi-Club Ownership Concerns
Uefa regulations strictly prohibit any individual or entity from controlling multiple clubs within the same European competition. This rule aims to prevent conflicts of interest. Eagle Football, Textor’s multi-club ownership group, holds a majority stake in French side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.
Palace argues that Textor does not wield decisive control over the club. Eagle Football’s stake stands at 43%, and the club maintains that Textor’s voting rights are limited to 25%.
The Stakes: Europa League Participation
A successful sale of Textor’s shares could clear the path for Crystal Palace to compete in the Europa League. Nottingham Forest has already requested clarification from Uefa regarding Palace’s eligibility.
Did You Know? Uefa’s stance on multi-club ownership is becoming increasingly firm, with potential implications for other clubs with similar ownership structures.
Competing Offers and Rapid Sale
Crystal Palace is evaluating three offers for John Textor’s stake, including Johnson’s bid. A swift transaction is seen as crucial to secure the club’s place in the Europa League. The sale of Eagle Football Holdings’ 43% stake could be completed for as little as £170 million.
Telegraph Sport indicates that Johnson’s 43% purchase proposal was slightly less than two other proposals under discussion.
Other Potential Suitors
NBA star Jimmy Butler,as part of a sports and entertainment executive consortium,is also rumored to be interested in acquiring a stake in Crystal Palace.
An international consortium, advised by veteran football financier keith Harris, has also expressed interest via the Sportbank vehicle. This group consists of investors from North America, Europe, and the Gulf, with a valuation exceeding £200 million.
Textor’s Investment and Multi-Club Model
Textor initially acquired his Crystal Palace holding in 2021 for approximately £90 million. His Eagle Football group also includes Lyon, Rio-based Botafogo, and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium. His primary objective has been to create a network where players can move freely between clubs. Crystal Palace is currently valued at around £500 million.
Crystal Palace Ownership Offers: A comparison
| Potential Buyer | Reported Stake | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Woody Johnson | 43% | ~£170 million |
| Jimmy Butler Consortium | Unknown | Unknown |
| Sportbank Consortium (Keith Harris) | Unknown | Upwards of £200 million |
Pro Tip: Multi-club ownership models are under increasing scrutiny, and clubs must demonstrate clear separation in management and operations to satisfy regulatory bodies.
