- Lyon relegated to Ligue 2 over financial reporting violations
- Club president John Textor failed to prevent the sanction
- Lyon will appeal as debts amount to €505.1 million
Key Takeaways:
French giants Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 due to violations in financial reporting. The decision was made by the National Directorate for Management Control (DNCG), as announced on the official website of the Professional Football League.
L'Olympique Lyonnais prend acte de la décision incompréhensible rendue par la DNCG ce soir et confirme qu'il fera immédiatement appel
🗞 Le communiqué 👇
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) June 24, 2025
The meeting was attended by Lyon president John Textor, who failed to convince the committee members not to impose the harsh sanction. Lyon later confirmed that they will appeal the decision.
As early as November, Lyon’s management had been warned that the club would be expelled from the top flight if it failed to resolve its financial issues. The club’s debts amount to €505.1 million.
Last season, Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 and qualified for the Europa League. If Lyon’s relegation is upheld, their place in the top flight will be taken by Reims, who lost the play-off to Metz.
The financial regulator in French football has not taken any action against Monaco, Nantes, or Paris FC.