Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Born in the USA

> After a remarkable two-year journey from Alabama to Bayern Munich, Chris Richards fulfilled a lifelong dream when he moved to the Premier League with Crystal Palace in 2022.

Born in Alabama, USA, Richards began his career near Houston before joining F.C. Dallas’ Academy and earning a professional contract there.

He moved to Houston and then Dallas aged 16 – both over 600 miles from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where his parents still live – and initially lived alone with a host family. He then made the even larger jump of joining Bayern Munich aged 18, where he learnt fluent German and made his senior debut shortly after signing.

From here Richards’ rise was swift: he made his senior debut in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, his professional debut with Bayern Munich II in 2019, and his full Bayern debut in June 2020. A few months later he featured as a substitute in the German side’s DFL-Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund.

The young defender went on to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League before joining 1899 Hoffenheim on loan in 2021. He has played a total of 82 professional matches.

Richards began his international career early, too, competing with the US Under-20s to win the CONCACAF U20 Championship aged 18. His performances at this level earned him a senior debut in November 2020, coming on as a substitute against Panama. Richards has since amassed seven further caps.

He made his debut for the Eagles at Anfield as a second-half substitute in August 2022. Richards went on to make his first start for the club, after a leg injury, in January 2023 in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Commenting on his first start he said: “It was worth the wait! Being able to make it \[my first Premier League start\] at home, especially in a game like tonight, was amazing."

His performances against Manchester United home and away, along with keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United, saw him win the club's Player of the Month award in January 2023.

Richards' first domestic season in red and blue ended with 10 appearances in total, however he also managed to score his first international goal in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League against Canada to guide the United States to a 2-0 win.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Richards establish more of a place in the side, playing multiple roles as a centre-back, defensive midfielder and even as a right-back. He racked up 30 appearances in total, and scored his first goal against Burnley in a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Richards also found CONCACAF Nations League success once more, winning the title again in a 2-0 win over Mexico in March 2024. He was also recognised for his exceptional work with the Palace for Life Foundation - winning the PFA Community Champion award.

In 2024/25, Richards made 32 appearances across all competitions - six of which were in the FA Cup, where he played every single minute on the way to making history in the final against Manchester City.

2020

IFFHS Men's World Youth Team

January 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

2023/24

PFA Community Champion

Richards

Twitter

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Richards reflects on Mostar

Richards reflects on 100th Palace appearance

CPFC x SunExpress aircraft livery

Chris Richards Previews Fulham

The best of our Defenders | Brighton (H)

Chris speaks on victory against Brentford

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Millwall | Palace TV+

Chris speaks on win against Millwall

Richards reflects on victory at Villa Park

Chris speaks on tough game against Nottingham Forest

Chris speaks on solid performance against Chelsea

Richards on the final game at Anfield 

Fa Cup Final | Chris Richards & Matt Turner | Post Match Interview

Richards praises team spirit

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

In defeating AEK Larnaca on Thursday evening, the Eagles became the first English team to reach the quarter-finals of a major UEFA competition in their debut European season since 1979.

Next month, that adventure will continue against Serie A side, Fiorentina, who have reached two of the UEFA Conference League’s four finals. Palace will therefore be counting on the full South London support on **Thursday, 9th April (20:00 BST kick-off)** for a historic night under the lights at Selhurst Park.

Ticket prices are frozen from previous rounds, meaning supporters can enjoy a European quarter-final from as little as £20.

More information regarding the second leg in Florence – scheduled for Thursday, 16th April – will be made available in due course. We are once again exploring a chartered flight for our supporters, following the success of our trips to Strasbourg and Mostar.

**Supporters are urged to read the below information about the home leg in full before purchasing tickets.**

#### **Sales Phases**

*All phases subject to availability.*

**Phase 1:** **Season Ticket Holders** can purchase their own, reserved seat by following the step-by-step guide under the heading ‘How to purchase in Phase 1’ below.

- **From 10:00, Wednesday 25th March:** Online only
- **From 14:00, Wednesday 25th March**: Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)
- *Please note that this sales phase will close at 17:30 on Thursday,26th March.*

**Phase 2:** **All displaced Season Ticket Holders** can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 18:00, Thursday 26th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Friday 27th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 3:** Season Ticket+ Holders, Gold Members and Junior Gold Members can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 15:00, Friday 27th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Saturday 28th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 4:** All other Members and Season Ticket Holders can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 10:00, Sunday 29th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Monday 30th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 5**: All Season Ticket Holders and Members can purchase four tickets per person (or two or three additional tickets if already purchased, up to a maximum of four per person).

- **From 17:30, Monday 30th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Tuesday 31st March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

#### **Premium Matchday Packages**

Upgrade your matchday to make this European clash even more special, creating memories with friends or family that will be cherished for generations to come. 

With a range of Premium lounges to choose from, all of which offering modern dining and inclusive drinks throughout your night, and prices starting from **£234 inc. VAT**, explore our packages now or speak to a member of our team today to start your planning.

Book now - no Membership required

Speak to our team

#### **Ticket Distribution**

All general admission tickets for this fixture will be emailed approximately one week before the game to the transaction owner.

Tickets will be available as PDF Print at Home tickets, or Digital tickets to download to your Apple or Google Wallet.

#### **How to purchase in Phase 1**

Season Ticket Holders looking to purchase their own seats can do so by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to **[the Ticketing section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebStory-270226-LarnacaTickets)** of the website.
2. Click the **‘My Account’ icon** in the top-right hand corner of the screen.
3. Click **‘Reserved Tickets’**.
4. Click **'Show Reserved Tickets'** and then add the tickets you wish to purchase to your basket.
5. Click the **basket** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

Season Ticket Holders who wish to purchase their own seats should note that they will be **unable to change the age band** of their usual ticket. For example, if your Season Ticket was purchased as an Adult, you can only purchase your reserved ticket as an Adult.

#### **Prices**

**Season Ticket Holders (Phases 1 & 2):**

- **Adults:** £35
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £25
- **Under 18s:** £20

**All ticket purchases from Phase 3 onwards:**

- **Adults:** £40
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £30
- **Under 18s:** £25

#### **Important Information**

After Phase 1, all tickets can be purchased in the standard way via our **[Ticketing website](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/)**.

To purchase tickets on behalf of a friend or family member, you must have a strong relationship, which can be set in the **Friends and Family section** of the Ticketing website. **[Click here to find out how to do this](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/how-to-use-palace-app-and-website).**

Unfortunately, due to UEFA requirements and the addition of a singing section, a small number of Season Ticket Holders will be displaced and instead offered a priority on all remaining seats in Phase 2. All displaced supporters will be emailed in advance of tickets going on sale.

#### **Match Details**

**Crystal Palace v ACF Fiorentina**

- Thursday, 9th April
- 20:00 BST
- Selhurst Park
- UEFA Conference League quarter-finals, first leg

Tickets for the first leg of our UEFA Conference League quarter-final against ACF Fiorentina, which will be played at Selhurst Park, are now on sale to qualifying supporters (see Sales Phases below).

Witness history: Tickets for Fiorentina (H) now on sale

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Palace will face the Italian side in the second of leg of our UEFA Conference League quarter-final on April 16th (20:00 BST / 21:00 local time). 

To ensure supporters have a convenient way of attending in Florence we are delivering a number of official supporter travel packages, **in association with Sportsworld.**

Please note that all flights will arrive and depart from **Pisa International Airport**, however transfers to Florence are included in each package. Pisa airport is around a 90-minute drive from Florence.

**Packages start at £499 per person.** This includes a return flight and travel to the game, private coach transfers throughout the day and on-site Sportsworld hosts to assist with any requests during your trip.

Three different packages are available, with details on each below. Supporters are advised that both standard packages do not include a ticket for the match.

**If you are purchasing a premium package, you will have the option to buy a Category 1 match ticket. The club will contact you directly to organise purchase and payment of this ticket.**

**If you are purchasing one of the standard packages, you will need to ensure you have purchased a match ticket separately through the club. Further details on away ticketing for this fixture will follow in due course.** 

**1. PREMIUM PACKAGE**

- Return private CPFC charter flight from London Gatwick – Pisa
- All transfers between Pisa and Florence
- Pre-match hospitality, including lunch and drinks
- 1-night stay at The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
- Breakfast
- Sportsworld Guides
- Access to purchase Category 1 Match Ticket

**PRICES:**

Two Person Sharing a Room - £949 per person

One Person Single Occupancy - £1,089 per person

**2. STANDARD ONE-NIGHT STAY PACKAGE**

- Return private CPFC charter flight from London Gatwick – Pisa
- All transfers between Pisa and Florence
- 1-night stay at Hilton Garden Inn
- Breakfast
- Sportsworld Guides

**PRICES:**

Two Person Sharing a Room - £649 per person

One Person Single Occupancy - £789 per person

**3. STANDARD FLIGHT & TRANSFER PACKAGE**  

- Return private CPFC charter flight from London Gatwick – Pisa
- All transfers between Pisa and Florence
- Central meeting point for transfers
- Sportsworld Guides

**PRICE:**

One Person Single Occupancy - £499 per person (no accommodation included)

Packages are currently on sale.

Book now

#### **Important information**

- All communications for the trip will be handled by Sportsworld. This includes pre-flight emails with additional instructions, plus a WhatsApp group for additional details, coordination and on-the-day logistics.
- Supporters will be able to bring hand luggage on the trip only.
- Please note, only Premium packages include the option to purchase a Category 1 match ticket.
- Supporters can buy multiple seats on the flight. Please note, if you would like to sit together, you will need to check-in for the flight at the same time.

Book Premium Package

Book Standard One-Night Stay Package

Book Standard Flight and Transfer Package

We are once again pleased to announce a number of Premium Packages are available for a private chartered flight trip for our UEFA Conference League tie against Fiorentina.

Watch Palace in Florence with our Dedicated Fan Plane Trip

Buy Selhurst Showdown tickets!

Both players took a walk through Beckenham Place Park to discuss everything from living in London to the progression of the Women's game.

Barrow-born Everett and Bradford-born Sharpe joined the club in the summer of 2021, having made South London their home for the last five years.

"When I think of South London, I think Palace comes to mind first because we've been here for so long and that's the reason we're here.

"As two Northerners living in London, I think it's nice to be included and fit in with everyone down here. 

"There's always something going on in London, lots of live music, always nice places to eat, go grab a coffee, even spend time with friends on football in London. 

"So I think it's just such a fun place to be and there's a lot of opportunity down here to succeed and go further in your career, not only in football, but what you want to do afterwards as well, which I know is really important to me and to Aimee," Sharpe said.

Everett spoke about the transformation she has seen at the club during her tenure.

She said: "I think for me, playing for Palace and being in this part of London, it means a lot. It was kind of the first club where I felt at home, with a family feel to it."

Sharpe said: "We've seen it progress into being full-time, being at the academy every day and being treated like a true professional, which is just growth in the game. 

"I'm a little bit older than Aimee, but I do see us, the whole group of female footballers right now, as trailblazers, making the way for the young girls coming through. 

"There was a guy back there that was just saying about the little girl that lives next door - playing football in the garden.

"It's so nice to hear about little girls and little lads playing and wanting to be professionals and we are the image of that."

Everyone loves an underdog, and it's nice to see us and the men and the club as a whole succeeding

They spoke about the success of the Men's team, and that one club feeling.

Everett said: "Obviously, the men had a lot of success. I think we've had a lot of success too. 

"And it's nice, from what is known as probably a smaller club - everyone loves an underdog and it's nice to see us and the men and the club as a whole succeeding and hopefully we can do that again this year."

Just seven miles separate the two clubs on the map, and the pair spoke about the rivalry with the Addicks.

Everett said: "We've been here five years, so we've experienced a lot of the South London Derbies against Charlton."

Sharpe said: "They beat us at the start of the season, so I think we've got a point to prove and with them sitting top at the moment, that's where we want to be. 

"So we need to take that three points from them and hopefully put on a good show at Selhurst for the fans. I know my family are coming down, it's a big occasion, which is always so nice."

They talked about the club anthem: *Glad All Over*, and how excited they are to hear that in SE25.

Everett said: "We walk out to it and my head is always bopping in the line-up!

"It's a huge song for the club and the feeling is great when you hear the fans sing it back to you. We sometimes put it on when we've won a game!"

Palace sealed the then-named Women's Championship title in the last second-tier game played at Selhurst Park.

Sharpe spoke about what it was like to lift the trophy in front of a record crowd in South London.

"Playing in the last game there when we won the league was such a pleasure, and something that will always stick in my mind forever," she said.

Everett said: "It's so important to get people down to watch the game, get the fans there, because being at Selhurst, more seats, more stadium to fill. 

"Hopefully we can make new memories there with the players that haven't been there."

**There is still time for you to be there for the Selhurst Showdown!**

**Kick off is at 14:00 on Sunday, 29th March - click below to get your tickets now.**

Buy Selhurst Showdown tickets here!

Ahead of Sunday's Selhurst Showdown against Charlton Athletic, Palace's Aimee Everett and Molly-Mae Sharpe talked about playing at Selhurst Park, Glad All Over, and the rivalry with the Addicks. 

Everett & Sharpe look ahead to the Selhurst Showdown

Crystal Palace Women v Charlton Athletic Women (2026-03-29)

Tickets

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Witness history: Tickets for Fiorentina (H) now on sale

Watch Palace in Florence with our Dedicated Fan Plane Trip

Everett & Sharpe look ahead to the Selhurst Showdown

Shop Palace Shirts

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