Crystal Palace’s hopes of playing in Europe next season appear to have been boosted after shareholder John Textor sold his stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

Textor’s shares in Palace threatened to be an obstacle to their participation in the Europa League next season because the American is a shareholder in French side Lyon, who are set to enter the same competition.

Under UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, it looked as though Palace could miss out.

However, Textor’s 43 per cent stake in the London club has now been sold to Johnson in a deal worth more than £190m and values Palace at more than £400m.

The sale is subject to Premier League approval, but may now free Palace up to play in the Europa League.

The Eagles qualified for the competition thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Textor, who through his Eagle Football Holdings group also owns a significant stake in Botafogo, who are the current Brazilian and South American champions, initially invested in Palace in 2021.

Johnson has been in talks with Textor and Palace chairman Steve Parish for several weeks.

He is the billionaire owner of New York Jets and a former US ambassador to UK and has tried to buy a Premier League club before, with interest in West Ham and Chelsea.

Textor and Eagle Football, who also own Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek, will now try to buy another English club.

Sky Sports to show 215 games in 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.