Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest is poised to compete in the Europa League for the upcoming season following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against Crystal Palace. The ruling confirmed Palace’s demotion to the Conference League, following their breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. This decision paves the way for Forest to step up from the Conference League to the Europa League, marking a significant opportunity for the club.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal by Crystal Palace FC (CPFC) against UEFA, Nottingham Forest FC and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) concerning a decision by UEFA to remove CPFC from the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 due to a breach of UEFA multi club ownership regulations. Alongside the annulment of the decision, CPFC requested readmission to the UEFA Europa League with Nottingham Forest or OL’s admission rejected. An in-person hearing took place at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on 8 August 2025. Luigi Fumagalli as President (Italy), Mr Manfred P. Nan (the Netherlands) and Mr Olivier Carrard (Switzerland). After considering the evidence, the Panel found that John Textor, founder of Eagle Football Holdings, had shares in CPFC and OL and was a Board member with decisive influence over both clubs at the time of UEFA’s assessment date. This was an expedited procedure, with an operative decision rendered two and a half weeks after the appeal, filed on 21 July 2025. Unless Parties request confidentiality, a full Award (with grounds) will be made available on the CAS website in due course.”
The CAS decision marks a pivotal moment for Nottingham Forest as they prepare for a new chapter in European football. The club, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, had a remarkable 2024/25 season, and the upcoming Europa League participation is set to enhance their profile further. The decision to promote Forest comes after Crystal Palace’s appeal was dismissed, highlighting the importance of adhering to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
For Nottingham Forest, this opportunity represents a chance to test their mettle against some of Europe’s best clubs. The team will be eager to make a mark on the continental stage, building on their domestic successes. As they gear up for the new season, fans can look forward to an exciting array of fixtures and the prospect of witnessing their team compete at a higher level.
In anticipation of the season, Nottingham Forest has released a 2025/26 Kick-Off special, providing fans with insights into the club’s Premier League rivals, a quiz to test their knowledge, and a look at the summer’s biggest signings. This comprehensive guide aims to prepare supporters for the season ahead, ensuring they are well-informed and ready for the action.
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