Key Takeaways:
- Crystal Palace received a £8,693 (€10,000) fine from Uefa after fans displayed a ‘UEFA MAFIA’ banner during their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad last month
- The protest followed Uefa’s decision to relegate Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership regulations
- The FA has launched an investigation into fan behaviour, with its findings still pending
Uefa Responds to Supporters’ Banner at European Fixture
Crystal Palace have been penalised by Uefa after supporters unveiled a contentious banner at Selhurst Park during last month’s UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad. The prominent display featured the words ‘UEFA MAFIA’ emblazoned across the governing body’s logo along with a Euro symbol, capturing attention within the stadium during Palace’s inaugural Conference League appearance.
💷 Crystal Palace have been handed a fine by UEFA for displaying a controversial banner during their Conference League play-off match against Fredrikstad last month.
Now, UEFA have responded by issuing an £8,693 (€10,000) fine.@TheSunFootball pic.twitter.com/zllCM5o51X
— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) September 17, 2025
Background: Demotion Sparks Outrage
The origins of the protest can be traced back to Uefa’s enforcement of multi-club ownership rules, which saw Crystal Palace demoted from the Europa League, a competition they had initially reached after securing the FA Cup in May. Due to perceived ties with Ligue 1 club Lyon – also under the same ownership group – Palace were removed from the competition and eventually replaced by Nottingham Forest. This ruling led to widespread frustration among the club’s supporters.
Recurring Displays and Subsequent Sanctions
In response to Uefa’s ruling, the ‘UEFA MAFIA’ banner was not only unfurled at Selhurst Park, but also made appearances at Wembley during the Community Shield versus Liverpool, and at Stamford Bridge during the Premier League’s opening weekend. Uefa have since imposed a fine of £8,693 (€10,000), citing breaches of articles 16(2)(e) and 11(2)(d) for bringing the organisation into disrepute and displaying an inappropriate message during a sporting event.
| Incident | Match | Venue | Fine Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘UEFA MAFIA’ Banner | Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad | Selhurst Park | £8,693 (€10,000) |
Further Fan Protests and Ongoing Investigations
Dissatisfaction escalated when Crystal Palace supporters targeted Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis with a pointed message during their Premier League clash last month. The banner read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!” Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding these claims. The Football Association is currently reviewing the matter, with a resolution yet to be announced.
