O Lyon was relegated to the second division of Francethis Tuesday (24), after unable to submit the financial guarantees required for season 2024/2025.
The decision was made by the National Directorate of Control and Management (DNCG), the body responsible for the financial supervision of professional clubs in the country.
The team can still appeal against the decision. Meanwhile, the future of the traditional French club – which had played in the first division since 1989 – remains uncertain.
On the morning of Wednesday (25), the “Bad Gones”, members of Lyon’s main organized fans, protested against, hanging banners through the French city asking for the departure of the businessman who runs the club.
The Lyon people rise up …
One watchword:
– Bad Gones 1987 – Official (@bg1987off)
Lyon, led by John Texor, owner of SAF, had previously been punished with the ban on hiring in the January transfer window.
In an official statement, the French club was surprised and outraged by the result.
“Lyon’s Olympique takes note of DNCG’s incomprehensible decision tonight and confirms that it will appeal immediately. With proven funds and sports performance that has secured us a place in European competitions for two consecutive years, we could not understand how an administrative decision could lower a great French club like ours,” the club published.
The decision came a day after American businessman John Textor sells 43% of Crystal Palace shares, Premier League club. The French team states that this operation, coupled with contributions from their shareholders, considerably improves their cash position.
The team’s debt is around 175 million euros (about $ 1 billion).
Before suffering the descent, Lyon had ended in sixth place of Ligue 1, winning a place in Europe League.
In a team that had Benzema and Juninho Pernambucano, the club won seven consecutive titles of the French Championship between 2002 and 2008.
