Lyon demoted to French football's second division

Lyon, one of the historic Ligue 1 clubs, has just been demoted to the French second division due to financial problems.

An unprecedented earthquake in French football. Lyon , the team that won Ligue 1 7 times in a row, one of the most successful teams of the century of the tournament, will have to play in the Second Division next season (Ligue 2).

This is a decision confirmed by the financial authority of the French National Championship (DNCG) on Tuesday night.

Lyon was punished. Photo: OL

After two hours of working with owner John Textor, who presented unconvincing defense arguments, DNCG decided to uphold the penalty that was provisionally imposed in November.

Although Textor, when leaving the headquarters of the LFP (French Professional Football League) after the meeting, confidently declared that the meeting went smoothly, the DNCG still decided to punish Olympique Lyon.

The club will now appeal the decision or risk falling into an unprecedented crisis that could cause a complete earthquake in Ligue 1 .

In November, DNCG decided to punish Lyon by temporarily relegating them, banning them from signing players until June and requiring the club to raise 175 million euros to have the penalty lifted.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League, coupled with a host of financial problems, ultimately worsened an already tense situation due to John Textor's decisions.

The American businessman, who has been criticised for his multi-club ownership model (which includes Botafogo and Crystal Palace - the team he recently sold for €200m), has been unable to solve Lyon's financial problems.

The club has the right to appeal in the coming weeks, but given recent history with DNCG decisions, the chances of the ban being upheld are high.

Selling Cherki to Man City is not enough for Lyon. Photo: Imago

This is bad news in the context of an unprecedented financial crisis that is besieging many French football clubs .

Hours after receiving the decision from DNCG, Lyon officially announced that it would appeal.

The club said the decision was “incomprehensible” and called the LFP’s administrative sanction against a “major French football team” baseless.

“Lyon FC notes the incomprehensible decision just made by DNCG and confirms that it will immediately appeal ,” the statement said.

The club continued: “Over the past months, we have worked closely with DNCG, meeting all their requirements with capital investments above and beyond what was requested.

Thanks to the capital contributions from shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, the club's financial situation has improved significantly and we are fully financially prepared for the 2025/26 season . "

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lyon-bi-giang-xuong-hang-nhi-bong-da-phap-2414765.html