Crystal Palace’s hopes of securing their historic Europa League spot, earned through their 2025 FA Cup victory, hinge on Woody Johnson’s £190 million acquisition of John Textor’s 43% stake, as reported by Football Insider on June 30, 2025. The deal, agreed on June 23, 2025, aims to resolve UEFA’s multi-club ownership conflict caused by Textor’s majority stake in Lyon, which also qualified for the Europa League. However, finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Johnson, owner of the NFL’s New York Jets, could face a delay akin to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s two-month wait for Premier League approval of his Manchester United stake, potentially threatening Palace’s European campaign. With the transfer window open until September 1, 2025, the race is on to finalize the deal and ensure Palace’s place in Europe.
Woody Johnson, a 78-year-old American billionaire and former US ambassador to the UK (2017-2021), signed a legally binding contract to purchase Textor’s 43% stake through his Eagle Football Holdings, valued at £190 million ($254 million), per The Guardian and ESPN. Textor, who acquired his stake for £90 million in 2021, faced pressure to sell due to UEFA regulations prohibiting clubs with the same ownership from competing in the same European competition. Palace’s FA Cup win over Manchester City in May 2025 secured their first-ever European qualification, but Textor’s majority ownership of Lyon, alongside stakes in Botafogo and Daring Brussels, created a compliance issue.
BBC Sport reported on June 19, 2025, that Johnson emerged as the preferred buyer over a Florida-based entertainment giant and a consortium involving NBA star Jimmy Butler, due to his ability to transfer funds quickly. Football Insider notes that Palace may have requested an expedited Premier League owners’ and directors’ test, but Borson warned that the process, which took two months for Ratcliffe’s 27.7% United stake in 2024, could still take up to three months (Web:0). An X post from@SamiMokbel_BBC on June 20, 2025, highlighted that the deal “could be key towards boosting Palace’s Europa League hopes”.
UEFA’s rules, designed to prevent conflicts of interest, bar clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same tournament unless shares are placed in a blind trust, which Textor failed to do by the March 1, 2025, deadline. The Daily Mail cited Ratcliffe’s precedent, where he resolved a similar issue by transferring Nice shares to a blind trust, allowing Manchester United and Nice to compete in UEFA competitions. Palace’s legal team, as reported by The Athletic, is leveraging this precedent, arguing that Textor has no day-to-day control at Selhurst Park, where Steve Parish, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer manage operations. However, @martynziegleron X noted on June 30, 2025, that UEFA delayed its decision pending Lyon’s appeal against their provisional Ligue 2 relegation, adding uncertainty.
Johnson’s investment, making him Palace’s largest shareholder, is expected to be hands-off, with Parish retaining operational control, per OneFootball (Web:17). Football Insider reported on June 29, 2025, that former Everton CEO Keith Wyness warned Johnson may not “open his chequebook” freely, citing his controversial tenure at the New York Jets, marked by 14 seasons without playoffs and criticism for a “dysfunctional” culture. The Athletic suggests Johnson’s diplomatic experience and £3.39 billion fortune could support Palace’s £200 million Selhurst Park redevelopment, though his commitment remains unclear. An X post from @uSTADIUMon June 23, 2025, confirmed Johnson’s director role, emphasizing the deal’s role in securing Palace’s Europa League spot.
The takeover uncertainty coincides with transfer interest in Palace’s stars. Football Insider revealed on June 15, 2025, that Arsenal and Newcastle are racing to sign Marc Guehi, whose contract expires in June 2026, with Liverpool also linked (Web:1). Guehi’s desire for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup could prompt a £70 million move, per The Daily Mail. Palace’s transfer strategy, bolstered by Johnson’s funds, targets players like Leicester’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to strengthen their Europa League squad. The Guardian notes that Harris and Blitzer, holding 36% combined, may sell if costs for the Selhurst Park expansion escalate to £240 million.
Palace fans are cautiously optimistic, with @CPFCon X announcing the deal on June 23, 2025, and expressing confidence in Premier League approval (Post:0). However, @3addedminuteswarned that Johnson’s Jets tenure raises “red flags” for fans expecting significant investment. Pundit Ian Ladyman, in The Daily Mail, suggested Palace’s legal team could follow Ratcliffe’s blueprint to secure UEFA approval, but the Lyon appeal adds complexity. Football Insider’s Borson emphasized that an expedited process is critical, noting, “Ratcliffe’s deal took two months… Palace need it faster”.
The primary challenge is the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, which Borson estimates could take two to three months, risking Palace’s Europa League participation if not completed by UEFA’s final rulings. ESPN reported on June 13, 2025, that Johnson’s £3.39 billion fortune and clean record make approval likely, but timing remains a hurdle. Palace’s structure, with Parish’s 10% stake and casting vote, limits Johnson’s influence, per OneFootball, reducing concerns about his Jets reputation. Lyon’s relegation appeal, per@martynziegler, could delay UEFA’s decision, complicating matters.
A swift takeover approval ensures Palace’s Europa League debut, a historic milestone after their FA Cup triumph. Johnson’s investment could fund squad additions and the Selhurst Park project, but his hands-off approach may temper expectations, per Football Insider. If delayed, Palace risk losing their European spot, potentially triggering Guehi’s exit and fan discontent. The club’s legal efforts to mirror Ratcliffe’s Nice solution offer hope, but UEFA’s ruling on Lyon’s status is pivotal.
As of June 30, 2025, Woody Johnson’s £190 million deal to buy John Textor’s 43% Crystal Palace stake, reported by Football Insider, faces a potential delay akin to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United takeover. Driven by UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, the sale aims to secure Palace’s Europa League spot, but Premier League approval could take months, risking their European dreams. With interest in Marc Guehi intensifying and Palace eyeing new signings, Johnson’s arrival marks a pivotal moment. As UEFA awaits Lyon’s relegation appeal, Palace’s legal and financial maneuvers will determine their European fate and future trajectory.
