June 24 – French giants Olympique Lyonnais have been relegated from Ligue 1 following an audit by the French football financial watchdog. The club, owned by American John Textor, said it will appeal the decision.
The seven-times French champions are an institution in French football. The club failed to convince the financial watchdog DNCG that their difficulties have been resolved. The club has amassed more than £420 of debt.
“Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible decision rendered by the DNCG tonight and confirms that it will immediately file an appeal. In recent months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all of its requests with cash equity investments exceeding the amounts requested,” read Lyon’s statement on X.
“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.”
Last week, Textor, who heads Eagle Football Group, which also holds Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek and Brazil’s Botafogo in its portfolio as well, told French sports daily that he was confident of Lyon’s financial position and that he did not expect the club to be relegated.
Lyon sold Said Benrahma, Anthony Lopes and Maxence Caqueret and Rayan Cherki to bring in fresh cash. Textor can also count on Botafogo’s prize money from the Copa Libertadores to assuage Lyon’s situation. The Brazilian club has already racked up close to $20 million from its participation at the Club World Cup.
The news of Lyon’s provisional relegation comes after Textor sold his stake in Crystal Palace because it formed an obstacle to the club’s participation the Europa League next season due to multi-club ownership rules. Lyon are set to enter the same competition having finished 7th in Ligue1.
Textor sold his 43% Crystal Palace stake to Woody Johnson, the owner of the NFL Jets, in a deal worth more than £190 million. The Eagles qualified for the Europa League thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
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