The Cowboy Hat Incident
Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor found himself in a rather unusual situation when he was seen wearing a cowboy hat ahead of the Lyon vs. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) match, which took place at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium on Sunday evening. This quirky fashion choice was a direct response to a heated exchange that occurred during a TV rights meeting in July 2024. The meeting, which was designed to address the French league’s ongoing TV rights saga, quickly devolved into a bitter clash between Textor and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Leaked footage from the meeting, shared by Complément d’enquête and L’Equipe, captured the intensity of the argument, with Al-Khelaifi referring to Textor as a "cowboy." This derogatory remark did not go unnoticed, and Textor, known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense approach, decided to turn it into a light-hearted but pointed jab.
The Meeting and the TV Rights Saga
The TV rights meeting on July 14, 2024, was a pivotal moment for French football. The league had been in crisis mode, as the initial auction process aimed at securing a £863 million deal for the next four years had fallen significantly short. Only two proposals were on the table: a £417 million deal with DAZN and beIN Sports, and a riskier option to move the league to its own streaming service. The streaming model, which Premier League bosses had considered before opting for a new record £6.7 billion domestic television deal running for four years starting from the 2025/26 season, seemed to be a point of contention. Textor, who is the majority owner of Lyon, was a strong advocate for the streaming service, believing it could offer long-term benefits and greater control over the content. However, his enthusiasm was met with resistance and criticism from Al-Khelaifi, whoPreferred the more secure and immediate financial gains of the DAZN and beIN Sports deal.
A War of Words
The leaked video revealed the extent of the tension between Textor and Al-Khelaifi. Textor, 59, accused Al-Khelaifi of being a "bully" and a "tyrant," while Lens president Joseph Oughourlian added to the criticism by pointing out a potential conflict of interest, given that Al-Khelaifi is also the chairman of beIN Sports. Al-Khelaifi, 51, responded harshly, telling Textor, "John, stop talking, you don’t understand anything, you’re from… I don’t know, cowboy, you’re coming, I don’t know (from) where, and you’re talking to us." The use of the term "cowboy" was clearly meant to belittle Textor, implying that he was an outsider with no real understanding of the complexities of European football. This insult not only fueled the fire but also backfired, as Textor’s decision to wear a cowboy hat before the Lyon vs. PSG game served as a sarcastic yet effective rebuttal.
The Match and PSG’s Dominance
Despite the pre-match drama, both teams were focused on the field. Going into the game, PSG was the league leader with a 10-point gap over second-place Marseille, while Lyon was in sixth place, five points behind a Champions League qualification spot. The match itself was a display of footballing prowess, with PSG’s dominance evident from the start. The first half remained goalless, but the deadlock was broken by Achraf Hakimi in the 53rd minute. PSG then continued to show their superior quality, with Ousmane Dembele adding a stunning curling shot just before the hour mark. Lyon managed to pull one back through Rayan Cherki in the 83rd minute, and Hakimi restored the two-goal lead two minutes later. In injury time, Corentin Tolisso scored a header, but it was too little, too late for Lyon. PSG’s victory ensured that they moved 13 points clear at the top of the table, solidifying their position as the leading force in Ligue 1.
Textor’s Role and Future Plans
John Textor is not just a co-owner of Crystal Palace; he is the chairman of Eagle Football Holdings, which holds a 45 per cent stake in the club. However, recent developments indicate that his role at Selhurst Park may be changing soon. Sportsbank, a group backed by individuals from Saudi Arabia and the United States, has announced it has signed an exclusivity agreement to purchase the 45 per cent stake for around £230 million. This move reflects the growing interest in English football from international investors and could mark a significant transition for Crystal Palace. Despite looking to sell his stake in the club, Textor remains open to the possibility of buying the majority of the club if the right opportunity presents itself. His company also holds controlling shares in Brazilian club Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium, showcasing his international presence in the football world. Textor’s attempts to expand his portfolio have not always been successful, as evidenced by the failed bid for Everton last year. The Friedkin Group, led by fellow American billionaire Dan Friedkin, ultimately completed a deal to buy a controlling 94.1 per cent stake in Everton for over £400 million in December 2024.
The Impact of the TV Rights Debate
The TV rights debate is more than just a financial negotiation; it has broader implications for the future of French football. The league’s decision could affect not only the revenue streams of the clubs but also their global reach and the quality of the product they offer to fans. Textor’s advocacy for the streaming model, while met with skepticism and hostility, reflects a forward-thinking approach that has become increasingly common in the world of sports. The traditional broadcasting models are being challenged by new technologies and streaming services, which offer the potential for greater innovation and flexibility. However, the risk associated with such a model is significant, and many club owners and executives are hesitant to take the leap. The leaked footage of the meeting not only highlighted the personal tensions between Textor and Al-Khelaifi but also shed light on the broader ideological divide within French football.
A New Chapter for John Textor and Crystal Palace
As the dust settles on the cowboy hat incident and the Lyon vs. PSG match, the future of John Textor’s involvement in Crystal Palace remains uncertain but intriguing. The potential sale of his stake to Sportsbank could herald a new era for the club, one with significant international backing and resources. Textor’s willingness to consider buying the majority of Crystal Palace, should the opportunity arise, underscores his commitment to the club and his belief in its potential. His international investments in football, from Brazil to Belgium, demonstrate a strategic vision that extends beyond the immediate financial gains. Whether he remains a key figure at Crystal Palace or takes on a new role, Textor’s impact on the club and the broader football landscape will be significant. The cowboy hat may have been a moment of levity, but the underlying issues it represented are far from trivial and will continue to shape the future of the club and the league.
