Olympique Lyonnais have been formally relegated to Ligue 2 after French soccer’s monetary watchdog, the DNCG, upheld its earlier ruling following an audit of the membership’s funds.
The choice, initially made in November resulting from Lyon’s fragile monetary place, was confirmed Tuesday after a gathering between DNCG officers and membership proprietor John Textor.
Lyon criticized the ruling in a press release, insisting it had absolutely cooperated with the DNCG and met all monetary necessities. The membership stated it will launch a direct enchantment.
“Olympique Lyonnais takes note of the incomprehensible decision handed down by the DNCG this evening and confirms that it will appeal immediately,” the membership stated.
“With demonstrated funds and sporting success that has earned us a place in European competition two years running, we sincerely fail to understand how an administrative decision could relegate such a great French club.”
The ruling comes a day after U.S. businessman Textor bought a 43% stake in English membership Crystal Palace.
“Thanks to the equity contributions from our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash position has improved considerably and we have more than sufficient resources for the 2025-26 season,” the Lyon assertion added.
In October, Textor’s Eagle Football Group reported money owed totaling round 422 million kilos ($574.85 million), elevating considerations in regards to the French membership’s monetary stability.
Since then, Lyon have raised funds by promoting a number of gamers, together with Maxence Caqueret to Como and Rayan Cherki to Manchester City.
The membership, nevertheless, has been unable to persuade the authorities that its monetary scenario has improved sufficient for the sanctions to be lifted.
Textor, 59, provided a optimistic evaluation of the membership’s funds previous to the choice.
“You can see from the contributions of our shareholders, we have invested new capital, not only for the DNCG but also for our UEFA licensing process. Not to mention the good news of the sale of Crystal Palace. Our liquidity situation has improved considerably,” he advised reporters earlier Tuesday.
Lyon, who have been topped French champions seven occasions between 2002 and 2008, certified for subsequent season’s Europa League after ending sixth in Ligue 1.
If the choice stands, Stade de Reims, who have been relegated from Ligue 1 within the playoffs after dropping to Metz, will take Lyon’s spot within the prime tier subsequent season.
Neither Reims nor French soccer’s governing physique, the LFP, was instantly accessible for remark.
Source: www.dailysabah.com