US EditionLyon Stave Off Relegation After Successful Appeal
RHÔNE, AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, JUL 9 – Olympique Lyonnais must reduce wage and transfer budgets after overturning relegation despite a €540.7 million net debt and €117 million loss, the financial watchdog said.
- On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Olympique Lyon successfully overturned their relegation ruling, confirming their participation in Ligue 1 and the Europa League for the upcoming season.
- The appeal came after Lyon was relegated last month by the DNCG, French football’s financial authority, due to persistent financial issues and liabilities amounting to approximately €175 million.
- The DNCG appeals committee reversed the relegation decision after considering the goals of the club's new leadership, headed by Michele Kang, who succeeded John Textor as president last Wednesday.
- The club expressed its appreciation for the DNCG's ruling to maintain its status in Ligue 1 and extended thanks to the appeals committee for acknowledging the commitment of the new management to uphold responsible governance moving forward.
- Following the decision, Lyon reduced its wage bill, released key players Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Lopes, began pre-season on Monday, and will start the league away at Lens on August 15-17.
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47 Articles
The American, named president of OL after the demotion to Ligue 2 of the club, allowed Lyon to save his skin in Ligue 1 on appeal.
After breaking the DNCG barrier, the new management of the OL will have to tackle another challenge: to put its accounts on hold. With 117 M€ of losses in six months and an out-of-control payroll, Michele Kang and Michael Gerlinger have a lot of work to do.
Weeks ago, the French Federation decided that Lyon must be relegated to the second division due to its high debt, and since November last year, the club has also been under special financial supervision.
After a successful appointment, Olympique Lyon is allowed to remain in the highest French league, but the terms remain strict.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung
onetz.deOlympique Lyon does not have to leave the French Ligue 1. The club succeeds with a vocation – but has to live with conditions.
The French Football Federation on Wednesday overturned the suspension of French top-flight club Olympique Lyon.
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