After a 30-year absence, Nottingham Forest is set to make a return to European competition when the football season resumes in August. The Reds secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League play-offs after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.
However, uncertainty loomed over their European dream as Crystal Palace faced the possibility of being kicked out of the Europa League due to John Textor’s ownership breach. Forest anxiously awaited UEFA’s decision on the matter, with owner Evangelos Marinakis seeking clarification.
In a surprising turn of events, Textor sold his 45% stake in Palace to Woody Johnson, co-owner of the New York Jets, for £171 million. This move paved the way for both Palace and Lyon to continue in the Europa League, while Forest received confirmation for their Conference League participation.
With the path to European success now clear, Forest’s fan base can look forward to the upcoming play-off matches with optimism. The team has a genuine opportunity to make their mark in the UEFA Conference League, with the final set to take place in Leipzig next May.
While the prospect of qualifying for the Europa League through Palace’s forfeiture was enticing, Forest’s legitimate entry into the Conference League represents a fair outcome for all parties involved. Now, it’s time for the Reds to focus on their European campaign and strive for success on the continental stage.
