PARIS: Lyon are back in France’s top division after winning an appeal against a relegation order last month for financial failings.

The decision to reinstate the seven-time champions could affect Crystal Palace’s chances of playing in the Europa League next season since Lyon have also qualified for the competition and both share ownership connections. European federation UEFA could rule on Palace’s situation by the end of the week.

A Lyon statement said: “Olympique Lyonnais welcomes the decision to keep the club in Ligue 1. OL thanks the appeal committee for having recognised the ambition of the club’s new management, determined to ensure serious management in the future.

“Today’s decision is the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on sporting goals, fully preparing for next season.”

The uncertainty over Palace’s European spot for next season stems from a perceived breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

Eagle Football Holdings – owned by American businessman John Textor – is at the centre of the case.

The company currently owns stakes in Palace and Lyon, with Uefa rules stating clubs cannot compete in the same European competition if they are owned to a certain threshold of influence by the same person or entity.

FA Cup winners Palace have argued Textor does not hold any decisive influence, but Uefa are yet to rule over whether they accept the Premier League side’s defence.

Had Lyon’s relegation been upheld, they had agreed with UEFA to be excluded from the Europa League, clearing the way for Palace to play in the competition. Textor resigned from his position on the board of Lyon last month and has agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

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