court of arbitration

They had to accept their fate after a long drawn-out dispute involving Nottingham Forest, who were handed the Europa League spot instead, Uefa, the Court of Arbitration for Sport - and which division Lyon were going to be in.

Palace appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but the demotion was upheld.

"The decision by Uefa and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless," Palace said.

Crystal Palace have submitted an appeal against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Palace are now expected to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.