Olympique Lyonnais: Seven-time French champions relegated to Ligue 2 after failing to improve financial issues, will appeal decision
Updated 24/06/2025 at 22:43 GMT+1
French giants Olympique Lyonnais have been relegated to Ligue 2 after failing to improve their financial situation, and will appeal the decision. The club were provisionally relegated in November after their first meeting with the DNCG and despite owner John Textor pulling financial levers, the French football watchdog were unsatisfied with Lyon's efforts and have stuck with their decision.
Kane 'loving' Club World Cup after Bayern's tough Boca Juniors win - 'We will sleep well tonight'
Video credit: SNTV
Olympique Lyonnais, the seven-time French champions, have been officially relegated to Ligue 2 for financial reasons following a meeting with the French football watchdog, the DNCG.
The club were handed a provisional relegation in November on the basis that if their financial situation failed to improve, they would be relegated to France's second tier, and face a payroll cap and recruitment ban.
John Textor, owner of the Eagle Football Group which owns Lyon, had seen his proposal to transfer funds from Brazilian club Botafogo, another club under his ownership, refused. Last October, his Eagle Football Group announced debts of €505.1 million (£422m.)
Textor had pulled several financial levers in order to convince the French football watchdog that the club's financial situation had improved.
He sold his stake in Crystal Palace and Lyon's women's team, as well as the club selling Rayan Cherki to Manchester City for around ÂŁ35m.
Lyon have announced they will appeal the decision, with estimated club debts now standing at €175 million (£149m), according to reports.
- Manchester United target Jonathan David in Juventus talks, Theo Hernandez set for Milan exit - Euro Transfer News
- Roger Federer reveals most exciting part of 'amazing' Rafael Nadal tribute at French Open -'It was incredible'
In a statement on the club's website, they called the decision "incomprehensible" and said they will "immediately file an appeal".
"Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible decision rendered by the DNCG tonight and confirms that it will immediately file an appeal," the club announced.
"In recent months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all of its requests with cash equity investments exceeding the amounts requested.
"Thanks to the equity contributions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash position has improved significantly, and we have more than sufficient resources for the 2025/26 season.
"With so much cash liquidity demonstrated, and sporting success which has earned European competition in two consecutive years, we sincerely do not understand how one administrative decision could relegate such a great French club.
"Through our appeal, we will establish our substantial cash resources as necessary for Olympique Lyonnais to keep its place in Ligue 1."
Even after Tuesday's meeting, Textor was satisfied and optimistic about Lyon's chances of survival.
"We are quite satisfied. Everything went as we had planned," the American businessman told reporters.
"We liked what happened this year. We brought a lot of money, we did our job. I have enough money to ensure the future."
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement