Crystal Palace take on Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK in the Europa Conference League play-offs, and fans in the UK will actually be able to watch both legs of the two-legged affair for free
Crystal Palace have a Conference League play-off to contest after their disappointing Europa League demotion. But fans in the UK don’t have to hold subscriptions to tune in, as they can watch on free-to-air television.
The FA Cup and Community Shield winners are gearing up for their first-ever taste of major European competition this season, though they would have expected to play one tournament higher. The Eagles qualified for the Europa League but have been demoted by UEFA in light of a multi-club ownership rules breach.
American businessman John Textor owned a 43 per cent stake in the club before selling up in June, and is also the majority owner of the Europa League-qualified French side Lyon. After missing a deadline to show UEFA proof of multi-club ownership restructuring, Palace were demoted to the Conference League, with Nottingham Forest taking their place. A subsequent appeal was lost.
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Now, Oliver Glasner’s side will take on Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad FK in a two-legged play-off in order to qualify for the competition proper. Those wishing to watch along can actually do so for free, as Mirror Football brings you all the details.
When is Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad FK?
Crystal Palace will welcome their Norwegian opponents to Selhurst Park on Thursday, with the match scheduled for an evening 8:00pm kick-off.
The two sides have never met before, but Fredrikstad, like Palace, originally qualified for the Europa League before losing in a qualifier and being demoted.
Glasner’s side are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, which followed their Community Shield heroics against Liverpool the week prior, a match they drew 2-2 but won 3-2 on penalties.
How can I watch Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad FK for free?
Both the first leg on August 21 and the second leg from Norway on August 28 will be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 5, after they acquired the rights to the play-off.
5 were able to secure broadcasting rights as these fixtures do not fall under the usual European football broadcasters TNT Sports’ UEFA package, which includes the main Conference League competition, as well as the Europa League and Champions League.
Coverage from Selhurst Park will begin at 7:30pm, with Alex Aljoe presenting and ex-Palace defender Joel Ward providing punditry. Fans in the UK can watch via Freeview TV on 5, or can stream the match via the 5 app. This can be accessed on mobile or tablet, as well as on desktop or laptop.
How did Crystal Palace respond to their Conference League demotion?
“The decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless,” the club said after their appeal was lost. “It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.
“This growing and unhealthy influence has shattered the hopes and dreams of Crystal Palace supporters, and does not bode well for aspirational teams all over Europe competing to progress when rules and sanctions are unevenly applied in the most flagrant way.
“Multi-club structures hide behind the charade of a ‘blind trust’ while clubs such as ours, who have no connection to another club whatsoever, are prevented from playing in the same competition.
“To compound the injustice, clubs that appear to have huge informal arrangements with each other are also allowed to participate and even possibly play against each other.”
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