‘Sporting merit rendered meaningless’ – Crystal Palace hit out at Europa League demotion

‘Sporting merit rendered meaningless’ – Crystal Palace hit out at Europa League demotion

Crystal Palace fans during a protest march outside Selhurst Park following Uefa's decision to demote them from the Europa League and the Court of Arbitration for Sport's rejection of their appeal

Crystal Palace have claimed “sporting merit is rendered meaningless” following UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League and the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s rejection of their appeal.

The FA Cup winners were demoted to the Conference League by European football’s governing body UEFA on July 11 after it determined that, as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence at both Palace and French club Lyon.

Palace appealed, but on Monday the CAS announced the London clu