Rare: The team that won the French championship 7 times was relegated but still participated in the European Cup C2.

TPO - One of France's most beloved clubs, Olympique Lyon, has officially been relegated to Ligue 2 following the decision of the French Financial Supervisory Authority (DNCG). The team was unable to meet financial requirements.

The DNCG ruled that Lyon “failed to provide evidence that the club is financially stable.” On paper, the club’s debts exceed €90 million. But some sources say the figure is as high as €500 million.

Lyon were “whistled” in November 2024. At that time, DNCG asked the Lyon owner to invest immediately in the team. In response, the Lyon board stressed that they had made significant efforts in recent months, including securing funding for shareholders and owner John Textor even selling 43% of Crystal Palace shares to focus on Lyon’s finances.

Lyon has won the French championship 7 times.

But that was not enough. In the recent hearing, Mr. John Textor presented arguments in defense but they were not convincing enough for DNCG.

At this point, all Lyon can do is appeal. The club's statement read: "Olympique Lyonnais has received the DNCG's inexplicable decision and officially announces that it will appeal. With the funds raised and improved liquidity, we have the resources needed to participate in Ligue 1. This decision is unfair to a club that has qualified for European Cups for two consecutive years."

As Lyon mentioned above, despite being relegated, the team still retains its Europa League ticket. According to current UEFA regulations, a team that has won a place through sporting achievements cannot have its license revoked even if it plays in a lower league.

If the appeal fails, Lyon will become a rare case: a team playing in European Cup without representing the national championship.

This is the first time Lyon have been relegated since 1989, when the team was managed by Raymond Domenech. After returning to Ligue 1, the club became a major force in French football, winning seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the 2000s and regularly participating in the Champions League.

Dang Lai

Source: https://tienphong.vn/hy-huu-doi-bong-tung-7-lan-vo-dich-phap-bi-giang-xuong-hang-nhung-van-duoc-du-cup-c2-chau-au-post1754352.tpo