Eberechi Eze has expressed hope that Crystal Palace will retain their UEFA Europa League spot for next season, despite uncertainty surrounding their qualification.
The Eagles secured their place in the European competition by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a historic achievement for the South London club.
However, their participation is now under review due to UEFA’s regulations on multi-club ownership.
Crystal Palace’s minority stakeholder, John Textor, also holds ownership in French side Olympique Lyon, who have likewise qualified for the Europa League.
UEFA rules prohibit clubs with shared ownership from participating in the same European competition to prevent conflicts of interest.
With the situation unresolved, Palace officials are reportedly in discussion with UEFA to find a solution.
Reacting to the development, Eze said, “I really hope that that’s not the case (removed from the Europa League) and I hope that Palace do get the reward for that (FA Cup win), because of what it took to actually achieve it.
“It would be a huge shame if that was the case, but I’m trusting that it will work out in the end.
“I’m sure it will work itself out and it should work itself out, because there are players who have worked to be in this position.
“There are fans who have been with the team throughout the whole season and experienced everything.”
Palace fans and players alike now wait anxiously for UEFA’s verdict, hopeful that their hard-earned European dream won’t be derailed.
