Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, is set to acquire John Textor's 45% share in Crystal Palace for a deal estimated at £190 million. The deal is subject to approval by the Premier League and the Women's Super League. This acquisition addresses concerns about multi-club ownership and paves the way for Crystal Palace's participation in the Europa League.

Background of the Deal

John Textor's Eagle Football Holdings owns stakes in multiple football clubs, including French side Lyon. With both Crystal Palace and Lyon qualifying for the Europa League, UEFA's regulations regarding multi-club ownership came into play. UEFA rules prevent any individual or entity from holding majority voting rights in two clubs competing in the same European competition to prevent potential conflicts of interest or collusion.

Crystal Palace secured their place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, marking their first major trophy in history. However, their participation was jeopardized by Textor's ownership stake in Lyon. Nottingham Forest even approached UEFA for clarification on Crystal Palace's eligibility, citing potential breaches of UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.

To resolve this conflict and ensure Crystal Palace could compete in the Europa League, Textor decided to sell his stake in the club. Woody Johnson emerged as the frontrunner among several interested parties, including a group backed by Saudi and US investors and investment group Sportsbank.

Woody Johnson's Acquisition

Woody Johnson's offer of £190 million was accepted by Textor. The deal awaits the approval of the Premier League and Women's Super League. Johnson's acquisition is viewed as a positive step for Crystal Palace, providing financial stability and a resolution to the UEFA concerns.

Johnson, who has owned the New York Jets since 2000, has a long-standing interest in owning a Premier League club. In 2022, he made a bid for Chelsea FC but was ultimately unsuccessful. His acquisition of Textor's stake in Crystal Palace marks his entry into the world of English football.

Implications for Crystal Palace

The acquisition by Woody Johnson has several significant implications for Crystal Palace:

• Europa League Participation: The primary benefit is clearing the path for Crystal Palace to participate in the Europa League. With Textor's stake removed, UEFA is expected to approve Palace's participation in the competition.
• Financial Stability: Johnson's investment provides financial stability for the club. As the owner of the New York Jets and heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, he brings considerable financial resources.
• New Chapter: The acquisition marks a new chapter for Crystal Palace under a new backer with experience in sports ownership. This could potentially elevate the club to become a regular contender in European competitions.

Other Ownership Details

Prior to this deal, Crystal Palace's ownership structure involved several key figures:

• Steve Parish: The chairman of Crystal Palace, who runs the club on a day-to-day basis.
• John Textor (Eagle Football Holdings): Held a 45% stake, which is now being sold to Woody Johnson.
• Josh Harris and David Blitzer: U.S. investors who also hold significant shares in the club.

With Johnson's acquisition, the ownership structure will shift, with Johnson becoming a significant shareholder alongside Parish, Harris, and Blitzer.

Conclusion

Woody Johnson's acquisition of John Textor's stake in Crystal Palace is a significant development for the club. It resolves concerns about multi-club ownership, secures their place in the Europa League, and brings financial stability under a new owner. The deal marks a new chapter for Crystal Palace, with potential for growth and success in the future.