The London club’s appeal failed after the Court of Arbitration ruled John Textor had control at both Crystal Palace and Lyon.

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 reigning FA Cup champions have hit out at the decision, and UEFA, and said the "rules and sanctions are unevenly applied in the most flagrant way" and the decision means "sporting merit is ...